Ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward addressed the UN Security Council on May 15, 2025, urging compliance with international humanitarian law to reunite families and provide information on missing persons in conflict zones.
Highlighting the UK’s commitment, she emphasized the human cost of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Gaza.
UK’s Call for Action at the UN
The UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward, delivered a compelling address to the UN Security Council on May 15, 2025.
Her speech underscored the urgent need for all parties involved in armed conflicts to adhere to international humanitarian law by reuniting families and providing access to information about missing persons.
This call aligns with UN Security Council resolution 2474, which mandates such actions. Ambassador Woodward highlighted the devastating impact of these issues on families worldwide.
In 2024 alone, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) registered a staggering 56,000 new cases of missing persons in conflict zones.
The ongoing disappearances in Ukraine and Syria were particularly emphasized, along with concerns over hostages held by Hamas.
Humanitarian Concerns Across Conflict Zones
- The ICRC reported 56,000 new missing persons cases in conflict zones during 2024.
- Tens of thousands remain unaccounted for in Ukraine; many children have been forcibly deported to Russia.
- Syria has over 130,000 missing individuals; efforts are underway to establish a national commission for clarification.
- The UK condemns Hamas for hostage treatment and advocates for their release through a ceasefire in Gaza.
Broader Implications
- Potential policy shifts may affect businesses operating in conflict-affected regions due to geopolitical instability.
- Public support could grow for humanitarian aid programs focused on family reunification and refugee assistance.
- The call for a ceasefire resonates with societal concerns about peace and security within UK communities.
The Full Speech
Delivered at the United Nations in News York by Dame Barbara Woodward
“I will make three points.
First, as we’ve heard, the impact of those missing in conflict is lasting and devastating with families forced to live without knowledge of the fate of their loved ones.
As we’ve heard, the ICRC registered 56,000 new cases of missing persons in 2024 alone.
The United Kingdom supported the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2474.
This requires parties to armed conflict to help reunite and reconnect separated families, to collect and protect information on missing persons, and to return remains to relatives.
Yet in too many cases these requirements have not been fulfilled.
As Ms Lee made clear, despite decades passing, DPRK has still not shared information about those it abducted with their families.
It is critical that all parties and stakeholders comply with resolution 2474 and IHL provisions, and that the ICRC and relevant actors are granted access to information on persons reported missing and to those detained or taken hostage.
Second, conflicts around the world continue to tear people away from their loved ones.
This includes in Ukraine, where thousands remain missing, including tens of thousands of children forcibly deported to Russia.
In Syria, over 130,000 people remain missing, and we welcome the new Syrian Government’s commitment to establish a national commission to clarify their fate.
Third, I want also to highlight the unimaginable ordeal faced by hostages held by Hamas.
This Council has heard first-hand from former hostages Eli Sharabi and Noa Argamani of the cruel and dehumanising treatment they were subjected to.
Hamas must be held accountable for its despicable actions.
We welcome the release of Edan Alexander who was reunited with his family this week. But as we heard from Ms Chen today, many more families continue to wait in agony.
This also includes the families of Avinatan Or, Yossi Sharabi, and Shay Levinson, who have strong links to the UK.
President, a ceasefire in Gaza is the best way to bring the hostages home, end the suffering of Palestinians and bring us back to much needed peace. Far too many have lost their lives and been torn away from their families.
No-one should have to suffer this fate, whether in Gaza or elsewhere in the world.
It is time for the spirit of SCR 2474 to be realised for the sake of all those who remain missing.”
Additional Reading
A Final Thought
The UK’s advocacy at the UN highlights its dedication towards resolving global humanitarian crises involving missing persons amid conflicts worldwide.
Sources: UK Government, ICRC, United Nations Security Council, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
