Since 1999, the issue of the involvement of children in armed conflict has en...

Since 1999, the issue of the involvement of children in armed conflict has enjoyed the special attention of the Security Council. Despite the progress made, the international community continues to face major challenges related to the ongoing recruitment of children by certain parties to armed conflict, in violation of the most basic elements of human rights and international humanitarian law, including refugee law. The focus on women, boys and girls as vulnerable groups in times of armed conflict must remain at the very centre of the Council's concerns with a view to eliminating the worst forms of violence and exploitation against those groups, promote their rights and ensure respect for their human dignity.