MINSK, 26 May (BelTA) - Belarus' Permanent Representative to the United Nations Andrei Dapkiunas took part in the open debate on protection of civilians and medical care in armed conflicts in New York on 25 May, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his statement, the head of the Belarusian mission to the UN drew attention to a category of civilians present in the places of conflict that requires special protection – translators. Andrei Dapkiunas cited the statistics that prove huge losses among professional linguists who contribute to the establishment of dialogue between the opposing parties and with the civilian population.
The Belarusian diplomat urged the UN member states to initiate developing an international instrument that would enhance the legal protection of translators and interpreters in situations of armed conflict and in the situation of post-conflict peace-building.
Bringing up this issue in the UN Security Council was another step of the Belarusian delegation at the UN to promote closer attention and due respect to the profession so closely linked to the diplomatic and international activity.
