Statement [on the item entitled "Protection of civilians in armed conflict"]
Statement made on behalf of the Security Council, 3978th meeting, 12 Feb. 1999, in connection with prior consultations held among Council members on the item entitled "Protection of civilians in armed conflict" / President, Security Council

Expresses its grave concern at the growing civilian toll of armed conflict and notes with distress that civilians now account for the vast majority of casualties in armed conflict and are increasingly directly targeted by combatants and armed elements; condemns attacks or acts of violence in situations of armed conflict directed against civilians, especially women, children and other vulnerable groups, including also refugees and internally displaced persons, in violation of the relevant rules of international law; concerned about attacks on humanitarian workers; calls upon all parties concerned to ensure the safety of civilians and guarantee the unimpeded and safe access of UN and other humanitarian personnel to those in need; expresses particular concern at the harmful impact of armed conflict on children; notes the deleterious impact of the proliferation of arms, in particular small arms, on the security of civilians, including refugees and other vulnerable populations; welcomes the continuing contribution to the implementation of international humanitarian law of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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Statement made on behalf of the Security Council at the 3978th meeting, 12 Feb. 1999, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Protection of civilians in armed conflict".