In recent years, the United Nations has made significant progress in the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The Council has adopted a number of important resolutions, including resolution 1325 (2000) on the protection of women in armed conflict, the significance of which marked a milestone in efforts to address that issue. My country has developed its own national plan in that regard.

It is also important that protection strategies be clear, concrete and measurable. That can be ensured by drawing on clear indicators and benchmarks, which can help demonstrate where progress is being made and where additional efforts are required.

The protection of civilians in armed conflict is one of the crucial challenges of our time. In the Security Council and other forums, Brazil has sought to contribute to the United Nations efforts in that area. Last February, during the Brazilian presidency of the Security Council, we organized a meeting aimed at considering all dimensions of the protection agenda (see S/PV.6479).

It is reprehensible to resort to armed conflict whenever there is a small difference of opinion between contending parties, each claiming exclusive rights and control over the other.

Civilians are still, and too often, targets in armed attacks and atrocities and are victims of human rights abuses, in particular rape and other sexual violence. It is the unfortunate and unacceptable reality of our times that civilians continue to be a main target for armed attacks and account for a high number of casualties in conflicts.

With regard to the situation in the Ivory Coast, we also reiterate our deep concern over the reported serious violations of human rights and the use of disproportionate force. We are alarmed by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country, where more than a million people have reportedly been internally displaced and more than 100,000 had to flee the country and find shelter in Liberia.

We also share the concern of the Secretary- General over the threat posed to civilians by explosive weapons, as outlined in his 2010 report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Deployed in populated areas, these weapons cause unacceptable suffering for women, children and men, even years after their initial use.

The events in Walikale in August 2010 and other incidents of widespread sexual violence in situations of armed conflict show that peacekeepers need to have the capacity to interact closely and communicate effectively with local communities and the host Government in order to carry out their mandate and prevent an escalation of violence.

Engaging local communities, including women, in discussions on protection requirements is key both in the planning stages and while peacekeeping missions are deployed in the field.

It is unfortunate that, despite the existence of international legal instruments and normative mechanisms, innocent civilians, including women and children, as well as international humanitarian personnel, continue to suffer in conflict situations. Undoubtedly, the prosecution of those responsible for crimes committed against peaceful populations continues to be an urgent matter.