Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5834th meeting, 12 Feb. 2008, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Children and armed conflict"]

Takes note with appreciation of the 7th report of the Secretary-General (S/2007/757) on Children and armed conflict, and the positive developments; stresses the need to adopt a broad strategy of conflict prevention, which addresses the root causes of armed conflict in a comprehensive manner in order to enhance the protection of children on a long-term basis; reiterates the primary responsibility of national Governments in providing effective protection and relief to all children affected by armed conflicts; commends the work carried out by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict; commends the work carried out by UNICEF and the child protection advisers of peacekeeping operations and political missions in cooperation with other relevant UN entities; welcomes the sustained activity of its Working Group on children and armed conflict; emphasizes the need to end impunity for violations and abuses perpetrated against children in armed conflict; condemns the continuing recruitment and use of children in armed conflict; expresses its readiness to review the relevant provisions of its resolutions on children and armed conflict building on the provisions of resolution 1612 (2005), with a view to further increasing the efficiency of its actions; invites all parties concerned to enhance their exchange of information about programmes and best practices.

3 p.