Situations of concern

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The information below is based on the 2010 report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council (A/65/820-S/2011/250) issued on 23 April 2011. More information is available in the report.

By paragraph 3 of its resolution 1882 (2009), the Security Council requests that the present report include in the annexes, in addition to recruitment and use, those parties to armed conflict that engage in patterns of killing and maiming of children and/or rape and other sexual violence against children in contravention of applicable international law. A conservative approach has been taken this year in determining the parties to be listed for these additional violations, given the limited time for country task forces to orient themselves with the listing criteria and requirements pursuant to resolution 1882 (2009).

Pursuant to Security Council resolution 1612 (2005), in identifying the situations that fall within the scope of her mandate, my Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict is guided by the criteria for determining the existence of an armed conflict found in international humanitarian law and international jurisprudence. In the performance of her mandate, my Special Representative has adopted a pragmatic and cooperative approach to this issue, with a humanitarian emphasis, aimed at ensuring broad and effective protection for children exposed and affected by conflict in situations of concern. Reference to a situation of concern is not a legal determination and reference to a non-State party does not affect its legal status.

References to reports, cases and incidents in the present report refer to information that is gathered, vetted and verified for accuracy. In situations where the ability to obtain or independently verify information received is hampered by factors such as insecurity or access restrictions, it is qualified as such.