Canada is committed to ensuring that the rights of children are always protected. Be assured that we will continue to fight against the unspeakable violations that threaten the safety, dignity and lives of girls and boys in situations of armed conflict in every corner of the world.

The appalling situation of children in Syria was rightly described by the Secretary-General as unspeakable and unacceptable. The High Commissioner for Human Rights reminded us in her presentation to the General Assembly on the humanitarian situation in Syria that grave violations against children have been committed by both sides, with documented cases of detentions, torture, sexual violence and executions.

Despite the commendable progress highlighted in the report, we remain deeply concerned that children continue to be recruited, killed, maimed, sexually abused and deprived of their childhood and their right to education and health care, among other things. It is disheartening to note that in some ongoing crises, such acts have become systematic and widespread.

With regard to the practice of reintegrating children into communities, domestic and international stakeholders dealing with situations of conflict in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations often face difficulties. To resolve such complex issues, efficient coordination among different actors is needed, including by the host country, host Government, United Nations entities, donors and non-governmental organizations.

Malala Yousafzai, targeted by the Pakistani Taliban for assassination for promoting education for a generation of young men and women, stands out as a symbol for millions who are denied opportunity and access. Therefore, in times of conflict, all steps should be taken to safeguard the right to education. All parties to conflict should safeguard schools as protected areas and zones of peace for boys and girls.

I would like to start with some statistics. According to UNICEF, 10 million children were traumatized by war in the past decade. Furthermore, in armed conflict, children are the most vulnerable group in society and are often subjected to rape, sexual violence and abduction. Tens of thousands of children continue to be recruited, killed, maimed or deprived of their rights to education and health care.

Under the framework of the fight against sexual violence, my country again calls for the application of the broadest possible definition of sexual violence, as determined by the International Criminal Court.

Belgium remains highly concerned by the impunity surrounding the perpetrators of violence. In that respect, we welcome in particular the efforts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to implement a national plan aimed at preventing and eliminating the recruitment of children in the national armed forces and preventing sexual violence. However, Belgium notes with concern the impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators of sexual violence.

Belgium has similar concerns about the reintegration of children who were involved in armed conflict, not only as child soldiers but as sexual slaves, scouts, messengers or in any daily life task. The psychological impact of recruitment into armed forces and the significant stigmatization of the children make their return to civilian life especially difficult.

Awareness-raising is also necessary in tackling the issue of sexual violence, especially in cases involving children. In the Sudan and in Syria, for example, children who have suffered sexual abuse tend to remain silent, rather than to complain, because they fear social exclusion and reprisals.