A Vietnamese diplomat has reiterated Vietnam’s view that the State bears the primary role and responsibility in protecting their civilians, including children, in armed conflict.

Ambassador Bui The Giang, deputy permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN made the statement at the Security Council open debate on child protection in New York on June 16.

“Child protection in situations of armed conflict should always constitute part and parcel of a broader strategy of conflict prevention and response which deals with hunger and poverty as well as socio-economic development,” he said.

The ambassador also said Vietnam appreciates the efforts of UN entities in protecting children from violations in armed conflicts, particularly their efforts in monitoring and reporting on grave violations of children’s rights, incorporating child protection policy in peacekeeping operations, and promoting the implementation of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programmes.

He said, however, Vietnam remains deeply concerned about persistent violations committed against children by many parties to armed conflict and equally concerned about the high numbers of civilian casualties, including children, during military operations in several parts of the world.

He called on all parties concerned to comply with international human rights and humanitarian laws, saying that child protection concerns should be consistently reflected in peace processes and peace agreements, and their particular needs included in post conflict peace planning and financing./.