Regarding the integration of the components, it is important to bear in min...

Regarding the integration of the components, it is important to bear in mind the need, where relevant, to ensure the necessary structure for the protection of women, especially from sexual violence. At the same time, it is also worth bearing in mind the need to protect children, particularly from being recruited as child soldiers, and to rehabilitate former child soldiers. Another critical aspect of the protection of civilians is the need to ensure access to humanitarian assistance. If the parties to a conflict fail to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law, they must at least do all they can to ensure access to shipments and material, as well as first aid support. Furthermore, people fleeing combat areas must be allowed to transit safely to areas where they will be safe from hostilities. Action by the Organization is essential to prevent the emergence of situations of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, and to end them when such situations emerge. Those four crimes, included in the concept of the responsibility to protect, demand not only action, but also prevention.