UN Human Rights Council
49th session
Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
15 March 2022
Joint Statement
Madam Special Representative,
I am delivering this statement on behalf of a group of … countries.
We welcome the joint statement on the situation in Ukraine delivered by your mandate in cooperation with the Special Representative on Violence against Children, reminding all parties that the protection of civilians must be the first priority.
Over [2.5 million] people have now fled Ukraine as war continues to ravage the country. The UN estimates that [30%] of the country’s population - is in dire need of life-saving humanitarian assistance.
Many of them are children. UNICEF has renewed its call for safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to reach populations in need and for the safe passage of civilians.
We strongly condemn the heinous attack by the Russian Federation against a children’s hospital and maternity ward in Mariupol, while a ceasefire was supposed to be in place to allow civilians to evacuate. The indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately. Attacks on homes, schools, orphanages and medical facilities are unacceptable. None of these should ever be a target.
Madam Special Representative,
It is currently snowing in Ukraine with temperatures frequently going below 0°C. Children in Ukraine need help and protection. They need supplies and other critical support, and access to basic social services like health and education.
In your view, what are the main risks and needs for children affected by the conflict in Ukraine?
List of signatories
1. Albania 2. Andorra 3. Australia 4. Austria 5. Bahamas 6. Belgium 7. Bosnia and Hercegovina 8. Bulgaria 9. Canada 10. Chile 11. Colombia 12. Costa Rica 13. Croatia 14. Cyprus 15. Czech Republic 16. Denmark 17. Ecuador 18. Estonia 19. Eswatini 20. Finland 21. France 22. Georgia 23. Germany 24. Greece 25. Guatemala 26. Honduras 27. Hungary 28. Iceland 29. Ireland 30. Israel 31. Italy 32. Japan 33. Latvia 34. Liechtenstein
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35. Lithuania 36. Luxembourg 37. Malawi 38. Malta 39. Marshall Islands 40. Mexico 41. Moldova 42. Monaco 43. Montenegro 44. Netherlands 45. New Zealand 46. North Macedonia 47. Norway 48. Panama 49. Paraguay 50. Peru 51. Poland 52. Portugal 53. Republic of Korea 54. Romania 55. Sierra Leone 56. Slovakia 57. Slovenia 58. Spain 59. Sweden 60. Switzerland 61. Timor Leste 62. Turkey 63. Ukraine 64. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 65. United States of America 66. Uruguay
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