UN adopts measures protecting schools, hospitals in conflict zone

Jul 13, 2011, 10:50 GMT

New York - The UN Security Council Tuesday adopted measures intended to thwart attacks on schools and hospitals, and the use of child soldiers, during armed conflict.

The one-day debate was presided over by German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, whose country holds the council presidency in July. The issue of protection of schools and hospitals in situations of conflict is now added to the annual debate on shielding children from warring parties.

The council unanimously voted in favour of a resolution that strongly condemned 'all violations' of international law banning the recruitment, killing, rape and sexual violence of children.

It condemned attacks on schools and hospitals and the 'denials of humanitarian access by parties of armed conflict and all other violations of international law committed against children in situations in armed conflicts.'

Such violations would be reported to the council by governments, working together with the United Nations to devise and implement measures to protect children in armed conflict. Reports of violations would be made public.

Westerwelle warned of 'possible targeted sanctions' against violators.

'We want children to grow up knowing that their schools are safe havens, a place where they can grow and thrive,' Westerwelle said.

'Attacks on schools and hospitals are barbaric acts,' he said.

The council meeting was attended by UN officials, and government officials, including Colombia's Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, Bosnian Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Portugal's Secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, Luis Bristes Pereira.

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