Since the Security Council first took up the issue of protection of civil...

Since the Security Council first took up the issue of protection of civilians, the changing nature of armed conflict has continued to have a profound impact on the situation of civilians in armed conflict. The Council took an important step forward through the adoption of resolution 1894 (2009), with its focus on humanitarian access and protection mandates as well as monitoring and reporting. We also welcome the establishment of the Security Council informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians, as well as the growing emphasis on benchmarks and clearer protection language in country-specific decisions of the Council. It is clear that the Council has paid greater attention to this topic in the recent past.