What are the critical principles of PoC according to United Nations guidelines?

The critical principles of Protection of Civilians (PoC) as outlined by United Nations guidelines focus on three core elements: protection, prevention, and ensuring access to humanitarian assistance.

Protection refers to the essential measures and actions taken to safeguard individuals from violence and harm during conflict situations, ensuring their safety and security. This principle emphasizes the responsibility of parties to a conflict to protect civilians from direct threats associated with armed conflict.

Prevention involves proactive measures aimed at reducing the likelihood of violence and protecting civilians before a crisis escalates. This can include efforts such as diplomatic engagement, conflict resolution initiatives, and capacity-building for local actors to help mitigate potential risks to civilian populations.

Ensuring access to humanitarian assistance is critical as it allows affected populations to receive the necessary aid and support they need during crises. This principle stresses the importance of allowing humanitarian organizations to operate freely and safely to deliver life-saving assistance to those in need.

Together, these three principles form the backbone of the UN's approach to protecting civilians in conflict-affected areas, ensuring a holistic and effective response to threats against their safety and well-being.