Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Another relevant issue is the attention to be accorded to the effective reintegration of children who are linked to armed groups and those who have suffered other severe violations of human rights, in particular in cases involving sexual exploitation or abuse. I stress the crucial importance of effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes to the well-being of all children affected by armed conflict.

An alarming and growing number of children are being killed, subjected to sexual violence and rape, and recruited into armies and armed groups. In addition, unacceptable attacks on schools and their deliberate use for military purposes endanger children's lives and security, as well as their right to education.

In recent months, the Central African Republic has also been the scene of horrific violence. The cycle of vengeance between the Séléka and anti-Balaka militias has been singularly repulsive in that nearly all of the victims on both sides have been unarmed. Children have been attacked, beaten, maimed, raped and killed, some by beheading.

When it comes to children's lives, no effort can be spared. It is also in our hands as Member States to support the implementation of the United Nations framework on children and armed conflict. The United Kingdom is doing its part. Foreign Office Minister Mark Simmonds has personally committed himself to work to release child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Chad and Burma.

Beyond the impact on peace and stability, there is indeed the human dimension of the tragedy of children caught up in armed conflict. Unfortunately, there have been many instances of violent conflict where children have been used as bearers, cooks, messengers and sex slaves, and others have been involved in combat, taking human lives. Besides child soldiers, all children become victims in one way or another during armed conflicts.

We are extremely concerned over the ongoing tragic situation and grave violations against Syrian children in the camps of neighbouring countries.

Syria has always been a pioneer in providing for all the needs of children and in promoting their rights and protection, in particular quality free education and medical services. This fact has been recognized in the reports of specialized United Nations agencies over decades. However, it is regrettable that the current crisis in Syria has led to inhumane extremist manifestations that are contrary to the Syrian values of moderation.

We must fight against impunity for perpetrators of grave violations against children in armed conflict, including sexual violence, and underscore the importance of national and international accountability mechanisms, in particular the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Security Council should, for example, urgently address the situation in Syria in all its aspects, including on a possible referral to the ICC.

In Syria, despite all the efforts of various actors, armed violation has intensified. The killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools and hospitals continue unabated. Children are recruited and used by various armed groups, and are often lured into battle, where they are among the first to die. Reports of organized sexual violence as a tactic of humiliation persist.

My country welcomes the recent developments in the Security Council discussions on children and armed conflict, such as the focus on sexual violence, in particular on justice and accountability, the increased attention to the issues of child protection when setting up or renewing United Nations mission mandates and the attention of children in fast-changing situations on the Security Council agenda.