Children in armed conflicts need protection

UNITED NATIONS -- A Chinese diplomat on Monday said that countries in armed conflict bear the primary responsibility to protect their children, calling for a comprehensive strategy by the international community to create favorable security and social environment for the healthy growth of children.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council meeting on children and armed conflict.

"Children carry the hope for human progress," Wang said. "In many parts of the world, children as a most vulnerable group is subject to the suffering caused by armed conflict."

The ambassador noted that the key of implementation of relevant Council resolutions and plans to protect children depends on the active support and cooperation, as well as the leading role of the government of the concerned countries.

"Both symptoms and root causes of the problem of protecting children should be addressed by tackling the root of conflict and enhancing preventive diplomacy," he said. "The Security Council should encourage and support peaceful settlement of disputes through such means as mediation and negotiation."

"China calls on all the parties of armed conflicts to carry out their relevant obligations by the international humanitarian law, respect and safeguard the rights and interests of children," Wang told the Council.

Meanwhile, the envoy called for coordination and cooperation between international organizations to join the efforts to assist the countries in conflicts to build up their capacity for protecting children, help them in their efforts for poverty elimination, universal education and sustainable development.