A/69/212
Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition, Riek Machar, to whom she relayed her
concerns regarding reports of large numbers of children recruited and used, killed,
maimed or raped by his forces. She obtained a signed commitment to end the
recruitment and use of children and all grave violations against children. At the time
of reporting, the commitment had yet to be implemented, and violations against
children continued unabated by both sides.
Côte d’Ivoire
56. The Special Representative visited Côte d’Ivoire from 26 to 30 October 2013
on the occasion of the fourth high-level retreat on the promotion of peace, security
and stability in Africa, which was convened by the African Union in Abidjan. She
met with the Ivoirian authorities as well as with the senior leadership of the United
Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire and members of the United Nations country
team. Although significant progress has been made with regard to the recruitment
and use of children, impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence and limited access
to justice for victims of sexual violence remain concerns to be addressed through
support provided to the justice system and through legislative and procedural
reform. The Special Representative advocated strengthening the legal framework
and taking action to overcome judicial blockages, in particular the obliging of
victims to submit costly medical certificates in order to file a complaint, which
constitutes a major obstacle to pressing charges against suspecte d perpetrators.
C.
Protecting schools and hospitals from attack
57. Under international humanitarian law, both schools and hospitals are protected
civilian objects and therefore benefit from the humanitarian principles of
distinction. However, attacks on schools and hospitals during armed conflict are
alarmingly widespread and carry grave risks for children. In its resolutions 1998
(2011) and 2143 (2014), the Security Council highlighted the violation of attacks on
schools and hospitals, provided clear direction on the need to monitor and report on
this grave violation, expressed deep concern over the military use of schools, and
encouraged Member States to formulate concrete measures to deter such practices.
Similarly, the General Assembly has called upon States to ensure continuous access
to education for children affected by armed conflict.
58. In order to promote the implementation of those resolutions, the Special
Representative, in collaboration with UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO, developed the
guidance note entitled “Protect schools and hospitals: end attacks on education and
health care”. The guidance note, which was launched on 21 May, aims to streng then
monitoring of and reporting on attacks on schools and hospitals by providing key
definitions and practical advice. The guidance note also promotes advocacy and
dialogue with parties to conflict and the deepening of partnerships between various
stakeholders in addressing the plight of children seeking access to education and
health care. In addition, it provides practical advice on how to advocate with parties
to conflict in order to prevent the military use of schools and hospitals. With a view
to ensuring wide dissemination and effective implementation, the guidance is being
published in English, French and Arabic. The Special Representative strongly
encourages Member States to promote the guidance note and to institute changes in
national policies and legislation, and to include the guidelines in military doctrine,
manuals and training.
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