Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5209th meeting, 21 June 2005, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Protection of civilians in armed conflict"]

Reiterates its commitment to address the widespread impact of armed conflict on civilian populations; reaffirms its strong condemnation of the deliberate targeting of civilians or other protected persons in situations of armed conflict, and calls upon all parties to put an end to such practices; expresses in particular its deep concern at the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war; calls upon all States to put an end to impunity; stresses the urgent need for providing better physical protection for displaced populations as well as for other vulnerable groups, in particular women and children; invites the Secretary-General to include in his next report recommendations on ways to better address the persisting and emerging protection challenges in the evolving peacekeeping environment; expresses its intention to take further action to strengthen and enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including, if necessary, a possible resolution in this regard.

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