The report from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict highlights a grim reality for children affected by conflict in 2024. The first half of the year has witnessed a surge in atrocities, with explosive weapons in populated areas contributing to the high number of child fatalities and injuries. The report emphasizes the urgent need for protective measures and adherence to international law by all parties involved in military operations.
Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative, expressed deep concerns, stating that children endure unimaginable violations of their essential rights: life, education, and health. She urged immediate action to alleviate this suffering, stressing the necessity for military parties to respect principles like distinction and precaution to safeguard children.
Humanitarian access to children remains obstructed, prompting collaborative efforts to enhance monitoring of these denials. Attacks on educational institutions, particularly targeting girls due to gender biases, exacerbate the situation. Factors like age, ethnicity, and disability amplify the vulnerabilities of children caught in conflict, diminishing their safety and opportunity for education.
The lack of birth registration severely hinders the protection of children in armed conflict, increasing their risk of exploitation, such as military recruitment and sexual violence. Unregistered children face barriers to essential services, leaving them unprotected and marginalized amidst chaos.
Despite challenges faced by the UN and aid workers in conflict zones, efforts have been made to engage with parties in conflicts. A significant achievement includes an action plan initiated in Syria and continued preventative measures in Ukraine, signaling progress for child protection.
Gamba emphasized that ending violations against children requires collective commitment and resources, rooted in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Her office is set to launch an advocacy campaign in Geneva to rally support for children’s rights, highlighting the responsibility of states and stakeholders to uphold these principles.
Collaboration with various organizations and entities remains crucial. The Special Representative continues to foster relationships with Member States, the Human Rights Council, and civil society organizations, working together to enhance the protection of children globally. Educational initiatives and training programs, such as the CAAC Primer, aim to increase awareness and capacity building around children’s rights in armed conflict.
The Special Representative’s report reveals a tragic increase in violence against children in conflict zones in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for protective actions. Explosive weapons pose severe risks, particularly in populated areas. Efforts to enhance humanitarian access and protect children’s rights continue, alongside initiatives to boost awareness and training on the rights of children in armed conflict.
The report underscores a distressing reality for children living in conflict zones, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures and accountability. The collaborative efforts of various organizations and the impending advocacy campaign reflect a commitment to safeguarding children’s rights. As the situation evolves, continued dedication to the principles outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child is vital for ensuring a safer future for affected children.
Original Source: childrenandarmedconflict.un.org
