Significant progress has been made in recent years in the normative and insti...

Significant progress has been made in recent years in the normative and institutional framework with the adoption of important resolutions, most recently resolution 1960 (2010), which established a monitoring, analysis and reporting mechanism on conflict-related sexual violence. However, emphasis must now be placed on progress in enhancing protection on the ground. The worrying recent increase in the number of conflict situations, in particular in countries in North Africa and the Middle East, leaves no doubt that we need to strengthen our efforts so as to protect civilians from the impact of armed conflict and from becoming targets of attacks. We are deeply concerned by the use of force against civilians and by ongoing violations of international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.