Brussels, 13/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - Monday's General Affairs Council adopted conclusions on the review of EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict, two years after their adoption. It reaffirms its strong commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of children, and in particular those affected by armed conflict, who are among the most frequent victims of serious human rights violations and abuses. While reaffirming the strategic role of the Council Working Group on Human Rights, the Council notes the need for further mainstreaming of this issue throughout the EU system. The Council looks forward to continued close cooperation with the Commission, individual Member States and civil society on this important issue, and also stresses that the EU action should support and complement the work of the United Nations, including the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1612 on children and armed conflict.