I would also like to note that the right to protect civilians in armed conf...

I would also like to note that the right to protect civilians in armed conflict is but one aspect of an integrated and interconnected system of rights and duties, as reaffirmed by the 2005 Summit Outcome. The main thrust of the Summit was to follow-up the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, foremost among which are development, combating poverty and preventing conflicts by dealing with their root causes. The protection of civilians must therefore take place in the context of a comprehensive and integrated approach that is primarily focused on dealing with the root causes to conflict from the earliest stages, with the Security Council playing an active role in leading and supporting efforts at political mediation, reconciliation and compromise. That should be complemented by a parallel role for the United Nations Secretariat and its agencies vis-à-vis humanitarian considerations and promoting economic growth, recovery and sustainable development. In particular, donors should honour their development pledges.