I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries; Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country Norway.
The inability to find political solutions and the failure to protect civilians during armed conflicts is destroying the lives and futures of children.
The number of verified grave violations in the report remains alarmingly high and is a reason for severe concern. As we are reminded daily, children pay the highest price of warfare in these conflict situations.
We note with deep regret the shocking examples of grave violations highlighted in the report, including in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and particularly Gaza, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Nigeria, Haiti and Sudan- among others. We are also deeply concerned about the spikes in violations verified in Lebanon, Mozambique, Haiti, Ethiopia and Ukraine.
States and parties to conflict must respect their obligations towards civilians. This is not only a legal obligation and moral imperative but a pathway to prevent further suffering and towards peacebuilding.
President, let me highlight the following points from the Nordics;
First, we call on member states and parties to conflicts to comply with international law. We need real commitment to prevent grave violations against children from occurring. Parties listed in the report must cooperate with the UN and enforce action plans to protect children.
Second, the increased numbers of rape and sexual violence against children is totally unacceptable. Stronger preventive measures are needed, impunity must end, and perpetrators must be held accountable.
Third, military use of and attacks on schools must stop. 121 states have signed the Safe School Declaration, and we encourage others to endorse and implement it. We welcome Kenyas initiative to host the 5th Safe School conference in December. Let us ensure that education remains a safe haven even in times of conflict.
Fourth, we remain committed to humanitarian disarmament, renewed efforts to advance Humanitarian Mine Action and the protection of civilians from explosive weapons in populated areas. We encourage all states to endorse the EWIPA declaration and uphold its principles.
Fifth, we emphasize that the CAAC mandate is connected to peace and security and has a unique relationship to the Security Council. We reaffirm our strong political and financial support to the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism, which is the core of the CAAC-mandate.
President,
We thank SRSG Gamba for her strong commitment and leadership in addressing grave violations against children.
We welcome Greece as the new chair of the CAAC Working Group and call upon the Security Council and Secretary-General to ensure the credibility and efficiency of the tools at their disposal to protect children in armed conflict.
Thank you