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In his annual report on children and armed conflict covering the year 2015, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his shock at the scale of grave violations against children in countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Mr. Ban noted the complex environments created by aerial operations by some Member States’ armed forces and international coalitions, which killed and maimed many children. In some cases, State-allied armed groups have recruited and used children and committed other violations.

“Member States should consider, as a matter of priority, changes in policies, military procedures and legislation, where necessary, to prevent violations and protect children,” he said in the report, stressing that those who engage in military action resulting in numerous violations of children’s rights will find themselves under scrutiny by UN.

From: www.un.org