Today, we are pleased that the presidential statement (S/PRST/2010/25) recognizes the valuable role of the informal expert working group on protection of civilians and endorses the updated aide memoire. The protection of civilians debates are biannual and, unfortunately, I have to note again the lack of progress on issues of humanitarian access.

Recent mass rapes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo highlight the urgent need for enhanced civilian protection in the east of the country. The primary responsibility for the protection of civilians, as in other host Governments, rests with the Democratic Republic of the Congo authorities.

In Burma, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of progress towards national reconciliation and the implications for civilians living in ethnic minority areas and the border regions. In many of those areas, civilian continue to be targeted by the military. We remain very troubled by reports of indiscriminate attacks on vulnerable people, including women and children.

I now wish to make a statement in my capacity as representative of the United Kingdom. I join others in thanking all the briefers today. The United Kingdom believes that the protection of civilians should remain at the forefront of the Security Council's work. We know from experience why that needs to be the case.

We remain concerned by the humanitarian impact of conflict, especially the excessive accumulation and destabilizing effects of small arms and light weapons, as well as the devastating impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Even more significant for us is the recognition of the needs of persons with disabilities as a vulnerable group brought about by the indiscriminate use of those weapons.

Uganda remains concerned that civilians still account for the vast majority of casualties during situations of armed conflict. It is essential, therefore, to put in place effective safeguards for vulnerable persons during situations of armed conflict.

It is necessary that all parties to armed conflict emphasize the dignity of civilians by recognizing losses that result from armed conflict, even those from lawful combat operations. In that regard, we encourage all parties to conflict to provide meaningful amends to affected individuals and communities, such as financial assistance or funding for humanitarian aid programmes.

It is essential that peacekeeping mandates are realistic and robust and that peacekeepers have the necessary tools to undertake their protection mandates. It is also important to focus on achieving durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons, in particular their voluntary, safe and dignified return or local integration and resettlement.

Turkey attaches importance to incorporating that task in peacekeeping mandates, including effectively implementing it. Regional ownership and cooperation are also worth mentioning. Moreover, it is important to improve predeployment training on the protection of civilians for peacekeeping personnel, including taking into consideration cultural differences and sensitivities.

The issue of protecting civilians in armed conflict is a cause that the international community must pursue with unwavering determination. We believe that, in order to ensure long-term and lasting protection of civilians, human rights, the rule of law, democracy and good governance should be strengthened. We should also ensure that perpetrators of violence against civilians are held fully accountable for their actions.