Regarding the integration of the components, it is important to bear in mind the need, where relevant, to ensure the necessary structure for the protection of women, especially from sexual violence. At the same time, it is also worth bearing in mind the need to protect children, particularly from being recruited as child soldiers, and to rehabilitate former child soldiers.
Parties to an armed conflict are subject to the basic obligation of international humanitarian law to protect civilians from the effects of armed conflict. Such an obligation, embodied in common article 3 to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, also applies in the context of armed conflicts of a non-international nature, that is to say, to non-States parties to conflict.
I would like to end my statement by stressing once again that, in accordance with international humanitarian law and resolutions of this Council, any kind of attack against civilians or other protected persons in situations of armed conflict, including the obstruction of access to humanitarian assistance and the recruitment of children, is a violation of international law.
First of all, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council this month. I would also like to commend you for convening this open debate on the subject before us. The protection of civilians in armed conflicts continues to be a subject to which the international community and my country in particular attach the utmost importance.
Being a victim of an armed conflict is a condition that usually extends beyond the end of hostilities. In the case of women and children in particular, they continue to be victimized after returning to their communities by being stigmatized and subject to retaliation. In this context, it is necessary to underscore the role of justice.
Argentina would like once again to underscore the value and significance of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which represented a remarkable step forward for the international community against the backdrop of the dehumanizing experiences it had suffered. Six decades later, conflicts continue to take place.
We are of the conviction that civilian protection is not confined to preventing civilian casualties. Ending the loss of civilians requires the establishment of lasting peace and stability. The recent Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board's progress report on the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, covering the first 100 days after the Kabul Conference, rightly points out that we have achieved more success in improving security.
The protection of civilians during military operations is our shared responsibility and an international obligation. Increased coordination between international and Afghan forces during military operations and greater cooperation between the international community and the Afghan Government are necessary for ensuring the safety and security of civilian populations.
Nine years ago, the Afghan people overwhelmingly supported the United States-led intervention and joined the United States and coalition forces in the fight against terrorism. They saw the international military campaign as crucial to security in the country and the region and to bringing an end to their suffering.
