Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations

New York, December 10, 1998

Statement By H. E. Mr. G.S. Akunwafor

Mr. President,

[...] As we approach the next millennium, the world is witnessing more social problems than solutions to the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world. The nature of many of today's conflict is intra-state, often with devastating consequences for civilians particularly women and children. These conflicts are sometimes fought by irregular armies and militias who pay little or no attention to international humanitarian laws including the Laws of War. These situations have engendered widespread violations of human rights in conflict situations. The most dramatic ones had led to establishment of International Criminal Court. Thus at the dawn of a new millennium and in spite of the advancement in technology and human civilization, the international community is still grappling with situations that tend to bring out the worst in mankind. [...]