Statement by the Representative of Austria
On behalf of the Human Security Network

Mr. Chairman,

I am taking the floor today in Austria’s capacity as chair of the Human Security Network, an interregional group of countries comprising - besides Austria - Canada, Chile, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, South Africa (as an observer), Switzerland and Thailand.

While the Network has a broad agenda covering many issues related to human security, the subject of children affected by armed conflict has been high on our agenda since the very establishment of the Network in 1999. The members of the Network have, individually and collectively, set a number of important initiatives with a view of improving the protection of children in armed conflict.

Austria has declared children in armed conflict one of her two priority issues for her term as chair of the Network. In order to take concrete steps to improve the plight of children in armed conflict, the Human Security Network decided to develop a "support strategy" aimed at

• reinforcing international action in all appropriate fora,
• supporting ongoing monitoring activities,
• drawing attention to the special protection needs of girls in armed conflict and
• highlighting the importance of the fight against impunity.

Mr. Chairman,

Please allow me to underline, on behalf of the Human Security Network, the importance we attach to the mandate of the SRSG and to commend him for his valuable advocacy and mainstreaming efforts. In this context, I would like to pose the following questions: What are, in the view of the SRSG, the most effective methods to strengthen monitoring and reporting of child rights’ violations in the course of armed conflict? How can child protection in general, and the specific protection needs of girls in armed conflict be integrated more systematically in UN operations?

Thank you very much.