STATEMENT

BY

H.E. Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa

Permanent Representative

of the Republic of Indonesia

AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON THE AGENDA ITEM:

"CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT"

NEW YORK, 12 FEBRUARY 2008

Mr. President,

I should like to preface our statement, Mr. President, by expressing our profound appreciation in seeing you presiding our deliberations today. We wish to acknowledge warmly the participation of His Excellency Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, His Excellency, Mr. Charles Michel, Minister for Development Cooperation of Belgium and H.E. Mr. Vittovio Craxi, Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Italy.

We wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict for her briefing and also the Executive Director of UNICEF and the Representative of Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict for their statements. We wish also like to thank the Secretary General for his important report.

Mr. President,

This timely meeting reflects the strong desire of the Council to address an issue of paramount importance: the welfare and security of children in armed conflict.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the various forms of violence against children in armed conflict.

The sight of children carrying machine guns and other weaponry and engaging in combat is absolutely unacceptable and totally reprehensible.

It is, indeed, an affront to international humanitarian law which clearly prohibits such practices either by armed forces or armed groups. We, the Security Council, have to act not only against these abuses but also to work together with the concerned states to eradicate them.

We believe that these issues can be comprehensively resolved when relevant parties work together and cooperate in a spirit of partnership and good faith. Such spirit can ensure that the requisite level of trust be built among the parties in order to ensure the sustainability of our efforts.

Mr. President,

While addressing this issue in the Council, we sometimes fail to remember that most of the situations as outlined in the report pertain to developing countries facing complex and sometimes insurmountable difficulties. Should we neglect this notion, at one point in the future, we might find ourselves at an impasse. The Council can continue to lodge requests to these countries to address the issues, yet progress in implementation also depends on building national capacity.

We strongly believe that the issue before us can only be properly addressed by adopting a broad strategy of conflict prevention, by tackling the root causes of armed conflict with its attendant negative impacts on children. Ultimately, the promotion of sustainable development, poverty eradication, national reconciliation, good governance, democracy, the rule of law and respect and protection of human rights, are the best guarantors of the welfare of children.

It is for these pertinent reasons that we support and further encourage development agencies to participate in addressing root causes. They should be at the forefront of our efforts. They can make a meaningful and concrete contribution to addressing the welfare and well-being of children and preventing the recurrence of these deplorable practices.

A successful release, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children associated with armed forces and armed conflict requires a comprehensive approach. It should be recognized that the Security Council's attention, and the SRSG's efforts, are not taking place in a vacuum. Not least, synergy is required with the long established relevant United Nations entities focused on the welfare of children, most notably UNICEF and UNDP.

Mr. President,

On a specific point, the report made a clear assessment that the use of cluster munitions is causing lethal and irreparable damage to children not only in armed conflict situations themselves but also in the aftermath of conflict. We strongly deplore the use of such munitions targeted directly or indirectly at children. Remedial actions in the form of rehabilitation and reintegration must be sought. Furthermore, we are gravely concerned about the growing so called collateral damage that has taken the lives of many children. The Council, in its part, should pronounce itself clearly in rejecting this practice by state or non-state actors in utilizing indiscriminately mine infesting weapons.

Mr. President,

With regard to the next report of this issue, we are of the view the Office of the SRSG should continue to spare no effort in further improving and refining its methodology in drafting and formulating the report; in particular, in making reference to countries in armed conflict situations. The credibility and authority of the Office lie in the ability to maintain its objectivity and independence, as well as to forge constructive cooperation with the concerned states.

Indonesia always maintains its principled views that transparency and inclusiveness are the bedrock of the work of all international organizations and their affiliated entities. We recognize therefore the importance of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in continuing to enhance its working methods.

Lastly, we wish to thank France for its leadership in the preparation of the draft Presidential Statement on this issue before us.

Thank you.