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Security Council condemns use of children in armed conflict, calling for end of such practices

Xinhua, June 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Thursday strongly condemned the recruitment and use of children by parties to armed conflict, demanding that all relevant parties to put an end to such practices.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member body also condemned killing, maiming, rape, abductions and attacks against children in situations of armed conflict, and called on relevant parties to take special measures to protect children.

Specifically, the council encouraged member states to consider non-judicial measures as alternatives to prosecution and detention to help children formerly associated with armed forces to reintegrate in their communities.

While expressing deep concern that the military use of schools may "render schools legitimate targets of attack," the council asked member states to take concrete measures to deter such use of schools by armed forces.

In addition, It also urged member states concerned to include child protection in military training and standard operating procedures when undertaking security sector reforms.

The Security Council has held an open debate on children and armed conflict on Thursday, at which UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon noted grave violations against children exist in Central Africa Republic, Iraq, Nigeria, South Sudan and Syria.

According to Ban's report on children and armed conflict, besides threats of killing, and maiming and sexual violence, abductions have become an increasing trend for children in situations of armed conflict.

"In Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic, over 1,000 girls and boys were abducted by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant ( ISIL)," said the report.

In this regard, the Security Council resolution also urged the immediate, safe and unconditional release of abducted children by all parties to conflict and also asked member states, through establishing standard operating procedures on handover of those children, to ensure their reintegration in communities. Endite