UN Security Council calls for efforts to address root causes of conflicts in Afr

The UN Security Council on Monday called for greater efforts to tackle underlying root causes of conflicts so as to support efforts in preventing clashes and in peace-building across Africa.

Rwanda, who holds the monthly presidency of the 15-member council, said in a presidential statement, "The security council recognizes the importance of a comprehensive strategy comprising operational and structural measures for prevention of armed conflict and encourages the development of measures to address the root-causes of conflicts in order to ensure sustainable peace."

The presidential statement was adopted after a general debate on preventing conflicts in Africa, which was presided over by Rwanda's Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo.

In the statement, the Security Council stressed that the council's primary role is to support UN member states in preventing conflict, and reaffirmed the importance of a broad range of efforts.

While emphasizing that national governments are first responsible for preventing conflicts, the statement said "actions undertaken within the framework of conflict prevention by United Nations entities should be designed to support and complement, as appropriate, the conflict prevention roles of national governments. "

Rwanda earlier on Monday blocked the adoption of a non-binding statement that recommended the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of a solution to resolving African conflicts.

However, the statement said the council "reaffirms its strong opposition to impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, and emphasizes in this context the responsibility of States to comply with their relevant obligations to end impunity."

The presidential statement also raised awareness to the importance of protecting children in armed conflict, the role of women in peace-building and the critical role of UN peacekeeping operations.