The United Nations is calling on all countries to protect children from war, and stop turning them into soldiers.

During a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, this week, representatives from nearly 50 countries criticized the effect warfare has on kids.

"Today's children are tomorrow's hope," said an American representative. "We must all work to ensure that hope is not extinguished by the blight of armed conflict."

In the last decade , two million children have been killed, one million orphaned, six million seriously injured or disabled, and 12 million made homeless because of wars.

As incredible as it may seem, more than 300,000 children under 18 - some as young as 7 - are taking part in armed conflicts around the world, in places like Sudan, Colombia, Angola, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

Ugandan diplomat Fred Beyendeza said nothing was more painful to his country than the abduction, torture, enslavement and killing of innocent children in northern and western Uganda for the past 12 years.

Terrorist groups in Uganda often target women and children between the ages of 11 and 16 in their attacks.

The United Nations Security Council condemns the targeting, recruitment and abduction of children in war . The council urged all governments to approve and obey treaties that protect children during times of war.

The United Nations Security Council also urges warring parties to stop using soldiers that are under the age of 18.

1. Who is calling on all countries to protect children from war, and stop turning them into soldiers?