UNITED NATIONS, New York - The Secretary-General’s fourth report on “Children and Armed Conflict” was debated today, on 20 January 2004 by the Security Council. The report contains comprehensive and universal lists of parties to armed conflict, recruiting and using children as child soldiers. The first list consists of 32 parties in 6 country specific situations, which are on the agenda of the Security Council. The second list consists of 22 parties in 9 country situations which are not on the agenda of the Security Council. Significantly, the report also incorporates several assessments as well as best practices and lessons learnt in the protection of children affected by armed conflict. It underscores the need to establish a systematic monitoring and reporting mechanism for which several proposals have been made. “Sadly, inspite of advances made during the last years in the realm of advocacy and the development of legal standards, the reality on the ground has not changed much”, said Mr. Olara A. Otunnu, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict in his statement to the Security Council today. “Violations of children’s rights take place in a pervasive climate of impunity”, he added. “Some of the most egregious violations against children are; recruitment and use of child soldiers; killing and maiming of children; grave sexual violence against children; the illicit exploitation of natural resources; abduction of children; and the denial of humanitarian access to children. The time has come for the international community to focus fully on the political project of ensuring and enforcing the application of the normative standards that have been developed till now. These children deserve our support and protection”, said Mr. Otunnu, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. “We call upon the Security Council to assume its responsibility and take action against the parties that violate children’s rights in situations of armed conflict”, Mr. Otunnu said. “For this to be achieved it is essential that an effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms on the violations against children’s rights be established”, Mr. Otunnu concluded.