The protection of children in armed conflict should be an important aspect of any comprehensive strategy to resolve conflict and sustain peace, a Security Council presidential statement said.

 

The council urged parties to conflicts to take all feasible precautions to protect the civilian population and civilian objects under their control against the effects of attacks in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

 

It called upon all parties to armed conflict to allow and facilitate safe, timely and unhindered humanitarian access to children, respect the exclusively humanitarian nature and impartiality of humanitarian aid and respect the work of all United Nations humanitarian agencies and their humanitarian partners.

 

It reiterated its strong condemnation of the recruitment and use of children by parties to armed conflict as well as their re-recruitment, killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, abductions, attacks against schools and hospitals, and demanded that all relevant parties immediately put an end to such practices.

 

The Security Council emphasized the responsibility of all states to put an end to impunity and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes including when perpetrated against children.

 

At the same time, the Security Council expressed grave concern over the human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law committed by non-state armed groups and emphasized the importance of accountability for such abuses and violations.

 

It emphasized that no child should be deprived of his or her liberty unlawfully and called on all parties to conflict to cease unlawful or arbitrary detention as well as torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment imposed on children during their detention.

 

It recommended caution over the prosecution and detention of children formerly associated with armed forces and armed groups.