49th session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children
Nordic-Baltic Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Darius Staniulis, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva
15 March 2022
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Special Representative for her important work in promoting the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children by 2030 and shedding light on immediate and long-term negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Disrupted mental health, exacerbated social inequalities and digital divide, increased risk of violence and abuse, child [early and forced] marriage and labour, trafficking of children, cyberbullying are just a few highly worrying issues catalyzed by the pandemic.
We are also concerned about the danger posed to children caused by war and conflicts, climate change and political instability. It is our top priority to provide them a stable and safe environment. No society will have social and economic development, unless all forms of violence are effectively eliminated.
We highly welcome decisions by states to include child rights-based approach and active children engagement in preparation of sustainable policies both on national and international level. It is crucial for implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and children’s well-being.
Madam Special Representative, how could this Council contribute effectively to the actions of international community to fully recover from the pandemic and ensure adequate implementation of the 2030 Agenda?
Thank you.