OCHA on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

Mr. President, the fact that women and children continue to constitute the majority of civilian victims in armed conflict demands our urgent and vigorous attention. Rape and other forms of sexual violence continue to be used as brutally devastating weapons of war - in the DRC, Burundi, northern Uganda, West Africa and far too many other conflicts around the world. The attention of the Council to these issues is critical, and I ask you to maintain a strong focus on sexual violence in your future missions to areas of conflict.