A/66/256 Annex Suggested standard operating procedures for the protection of children in the conduct of military operations (a) Establish a joint military-civilian assessment of the security risk for populations, and especially children, prior to any military action; (b) Refrain from engaging in combat and/or using heavy artillery in highly populated areas. In this context, the protection of schools and hospitals as “zones of peace” should be paramount; (c) Refrain from occupying or using schools and health facilities, or their vicinity, for purposes that could turn them into military targets; (d) Undertake systematic post-operation assessment of the impact on civilians including children; (e) Implement an immediate and transparent framework of investigation into alleged crimes committed against children by elements of the armed forces in the conduct of military operations. Reports on the progress and results of these investigations should be made public and disciplinary measures, if appropriate, should be promptly taken against the perpetrators; (f) Establish a framework to ensure reparations and/or compensation are provided to children and their families for violations committed in the context of military operations that led to the killing and/or maiming of children or acts of sexual violence against children; (g) Develop procedures for the reception, treatment and rapid handover to United Nations child protection actors of children separated from armed groups in the course of military operations; (h) Appoint a focal point on children and armed conflict within the armed forces in order to follow up on all steps mentioned above. 20 11-44370