UNITED NATIONS, May 22 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that the most effective way to protect civilians is to prevent conflicts and to end them, while sharing some alarming humanitarian figures with the Security Council.

Speaking to the Security Council's debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, Guterres reiterated that conflict prevention, resolution and peace building are, and will remain, the highest priories for the whole UN system.

He noted that although the global situation is bleak, with many regions suffering from displacement, food insecurity, and human rights violations due to conflict, there are some reasons for hope.

"This includes the growing recognition by many governments that respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law contributes to reducing conflict and countering terrorism," he said.

He called on member states to develop national policies to protect civilians in conflict and ensure accountability for serious violations against them.

Avoiding civilian casualties and providing unhindered access to humanitarian assistance are essential to avoid a cycle of instability and resentment, and make lasting peace and reconciliation possible, he added.

Guterres told the Security Council that more than 128 million around the world need immediate humanitarian aid and that this staggering figure is mainly driven by conflict.

The UN chief also addressed the destruction of infrastructure, inaccessibility to health care, and food insecurity suffered by civilians in conflict zones.