Switzerland has called for the rights of children to be respected and for those involved in violence against young people to be brought to justice.

The Swiss ambassador to the United Nations, Peter Maurer, said that cases should be referred to the International Criminal Court if national judicial systems failed to prosecute.

Speaking at a UN Security Council debate, Maurer said the recruitment of child soldiers should stop, as should the rape and exploitation of young girls.

Switzerland also suggested that child rights experts should accompany all UN peace missions. Their presence would be valuable for political commitments as well, added Maurer.

The ambassador said that he regretted that the proliferation and traffic of small arms had increased children's vulnerability in conflicts.

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