“Particularly alarming are recent reports of new training camps in northern Mali, run by armed groups. Sexual violence against children, especially by the MNLA, is also of great concern.”

“M-23 has killed, maimed and injured scores of children, and sexual violence against girls has been reported.”

“In addition, we continue to enhance our cooperation with partners on sexual violence against children to further our implementation of resolution 1882 (2009) In that regard, I look forward to working closely with Under-Secretary-General Bachelet and Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conf lict, Zainab Hawa Bangura.”

“I am also happy to report to the Council today that the action plan with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has almost been finalized and is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.

“Thirdly, our child protection advisers are working closely with all civilian components, such as those dealing with human rights, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, rule of law, justice, protection of civilians coordinators, women protection advisers, gender and security sector reform to promote synergies and a child-sensitive approach to their work.”

“ As a key part of this unique partnership, our multidimensional peacekeeping operations are of course uniquely placed to contribute to the actual protection of children affected by conflict. They provide a common platform that combines political, justice, human rights, gender, child protection and other civilian expertise with military, police and corrections experts and myriad logistical and operational capabilities.”

“Fourth, my delegation believes that continued attention needs to be paid to the issue of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children in situations of armed conflict. We have been strongly supportive of the listing of the parties responsible for the sexual crimes against children, as pursuant to Security Council resolution 1882, adopted in 2009.

Because of the deliberate attacks targeting schools and hospitals in Syria, which are often turned into centres for detention and torture, and because of the acts of violence committed against children, who are being tortured, raped and killed outright, this year the Syrian army and its auxiliary forces have been put on the list of infamy.”

“Still, we have also witnessed deterioration in other places, such as Syria, where many children are among the victims of egregious crimes and where the tremendous suffering of girls and boys has been going on for much too long.”

“In order to improve its consideration of the issue of children and armed conflict, it would be appropriate for the Council to consider strengthening national capacities for the protection of boys and girls.”