Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4493rd meeting, 15 Mar. 2002, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Protection of civilians in armed conflict"]

Reaffirms its concern at the hardships borne by civilians during armed conflict, and recognizes the consequent impact this has on durable peace, reconciliation and development, bearing in mind its primary responsibility under the Charter of the UN for the maintenance of international peace and security, and underlining the importance of taking measures aimed at conflict prevention and resolution; adopts the Aide Memoire contained in the annex to the presidential statement as a means to facilitate its consideration of issues pertaining to protection of civilians; further emphasizes the need, when considering ways to provide for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, to proceed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the particular circumstances.

8 p.

Transmits the Aide Memoire, adopted by the Security Council to facilitate its consideration of issues about the protection of civilians.