However, the situation of civilians in armed conflicts around the world rem...

However, the situation of civilians in armed conflicts around the world remains alarming. As outlined in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/579), civilians continue to account for the majority of casualties in conflicts and are often the deliberate targets of different forms of violence by all parties to conflict. Special attention should be paid to the most vulnerable, namely, women and children, who continue to suffer extreme violence and hardship during conflict, in particular sexual violence, including rape.