The picture painted in the tenth report of the Secretary-General shows that t...

The picture painted in the tenth report of the Secretary-General shows that the current state of the protection of civilians “does not give much cause for optimism” (S/2013/689, para. 8). Civilians in many parts of the world continue to suffer the tragic and devastating consequences of armed conflict and are regularly targeted during attacks and indiscriminate reprisals committed in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The tragic events in the Central African Republic are the most recent reminder of the heavy toll paid by civilians, in particular women and children, in the armed conflicts imposed on them. To avoid violence and vengeful acts, civilians are often obliged to flee or seek refuge in neighbouring countries, with all the consequences that can have for the physical and mental health of those vulnerable people.