Before concluding, my delegation would like to reaffirm the need for continued attention to vulnerable groups, including women and children.

In order to rededicate ourselves to the moral undertaking to protect defenceless civilians in conflict situations, it is imperative that we deepen our commitment to bolster accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. It is time to put our words into action and adopt standardized measures to bring persistent perpetrators of violence against women and children to justice.

We must increase our efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in order to protect vulnerable women in armed conflict. In building peace, we must take women seriously. We must include their views and interests in political agreements and peacekeeping operations. We welcome the progress that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has made in that regard, and encourage further cooperation with UN-Women.

Lithuania believes that the Arms Trade Treaty will help to reduce human suffering by ensuring a more responsible arms trade. We were glad to be part of successful efforts advocating for strong norms aimed at preventing arms transfers that could be used to commit or facilitate violations of international humanitarian law, in particular attacks directed against civilians, gender-based violence and violence against women and children.

Unfortunately, it is often women and children who suffer the most in armed conflict. In particular, the use of rape and sexual violence as a method of warfare is one of the most serious violations of international humanitarian law. While some positive steps have been taken at both the national and international levels in holding perpetrators to account, more efforts to address this issue must be pursued.

Arms control and the fight against the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of weapons constitute an important pillar of international humanitarian law. The Arms Trade Treaty (resolution 67/234 B), which was adopted by the General Assembly, will be a significant contribution to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. All EU member States have already signed the Treaty, and ratifications are under way.

During armed conflicts, the risks faced by civilians will always differ depending on the context and on whether they affect boys or girls, men or women. Sexual assaults during warfare have horrendous implications for victims and entire communities and must simply stop. We re-emphasize the commitment by all Member States to end sexual violence in armed conflicts, and we welcome recent steps taken at the international level to that end.

With that in mind, Croatia has been actively engaged in the Friends of Women, Peace and Security group of countries in promoting the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. In cooperation with civil society, a national action plan on the topic was created and adopted by the Croatian Government two years ago.

Furthermore, Croatia continues to implement modern international standards through domestic legislation and to familiarize the general public with international humanitarian law. It goes without saying that civilians are the most vulnerable and unprotected group in any armed conflict — women and children in particular.

Furthermore, Croatia adopted the Paris Commitments and Principles — documents that strengthen global efforts against impunity for crimes against children.