Confronting the root causes of conflicts and pushing for comprehensive and la...

Confronting the root causes of conflicts and pushing for comprehensive and lasting political settlements are the best guarantee for the protection of civilians. The concept note is quite right when it says that the vast majority of victims in armed conflicts are civilians. But it is necessary in that respect to draw attention to an important truth, namely, that civilians in very many conflict zones are victims primarily of rebel movements that take up weapons in order to victimize civilians, women and children, to the point where the international community becomes indignant and seeks to intervene in an armed conflict zone. The best example in that regard — those who are responsible — are the rebel movements that are undermining the peace process in Darfur.