Examines the issues that are key to developing the ten-point platform, which is designed to strengthen the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which are: i) improving humanitarian access to civilians in need; ii) improving the safety and security of humanitarian personnel; iii) improving measures to respond to the security needs of refugees and internally displaced persons; iv) ensuring that the special protection and assistance requirements of children in armed conflict are fully addressed; v) ensuring that the special protection and assistance requirements of women in armed conflict are fully addressed; vi) addressing shortcomings in our approach to disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation; vii) addressing the impact of small arms and light weapons on civilians; viii) combating impunity; ix) developing further measures to promote the responsibility of armed groups and non-State actors; and x) ensuring the provision of the necessary resources to address the needs of vulnerable populations in "forgotten emergencies". Also identifies specific ways in which performance could be improved. DAA

18 p.

Submitted pursuant to the request of the President of the Security Council contained in his statement of 20 Dec. 2002 (S/PRST/2002/41); 4th report on the subject.