In this connection, it is essential for peacekeepers to have more responsibility for supporting and providing security to civilians at risk through tangible protection strategies. In addition, the Security Council needs to establish clear, credible, and achievable mandates to ensure the successful and effective protection of civilians prior to deployment.

Access to civilians affected by armed conflict in order to provide humanitarian aid and basic safety and security also needs to be guaranteed. Unfortunately, we have seen many cases in which humanitarian personnel and supplies have failed to reach those in urgent need due to the interference of certain parties concerned in armed conflicts. Such acts should be condemned, and those involved in such acts should be held accountable.

We meet here today one year after the adoption of resolution 1894 (2009), which is rightly considered to be a benchmark of the United Nations normative system and the best reflection of the Security Council's long commitment to the issue of civilian protection in armed conflict.

The report of the Secretary General points to some improvements that have been made in this regard through the actions of international institutions, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), and by national institutions.

The main responsibility to protect civilians lies obviously with States, but it is also clear that, in some cases, States need international support to carry out that responsibility. United Nations peacekeeping operations and United Nations missions, as well as United Nations agencies in general, are crucial to strengthening and helping national capacities to exercise that fundamental responsibility.

Portugal believes that the lack of accountability and the impunity that benefit many parties to armed conflict throughout the world are extremely disturbing. This situation obviously encourages perpetrators even as it discourages victims from denouncing violations and seeking redress. Furthermore, it renders the tasks of peacekeepers even more difficult in protecting civilians in situations of conflict.

My second point concerns the need to strengthen United Nations peacekeeping operations and missions. This requires clear, specific, situation- or country oriented mandates, as well as training and resources, so as to successfully fulfil our responsibilities to those who suffer the most. Allow me to stress training.

Finally, the growing complexity and diversity of mission-mandated tasks demand an integrated approach to United Nations peacekeeping. There is a growing understanding of the concept of the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, and in this sense the guidance given to United Nations missions on how to effectively protect civilians is particularly important.

Despite all the difficulties, the protection of civilians — whether directly targeted or accidental victims of conflict — must be of paramount concern, and we strongly support the Secretary-General's recommendation for its enhancement. Civilians continue to account for the majority of conflict-related casualties and are constantly exposed and fall victim to serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law.

Allow me to mention, in this context, what we believe to be three important issues: impunity and the lack of accountability, the need to strengthen United Nations peacekeeping operations and missions, and, finally, the need for an increasingly integrated approach to peacekeeping.