STATEMENT
61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 3 - ID with the SRSG for children and armed conflict.
Statement by Mr Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Ambassador -
Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations
Norway on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries:
Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Iceland, Sweden, Norway.
Check against delivery
10 March 2026
President, Special Representative,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries. We thank the Special Representative for her report and dedicated work.
We are deeply concerned that IHL violations against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels in 2024, for the third consecutive year.
This is not unacceptable. Conflict-affected children are holders of rights. They are entitled to protection, assistance, recovery, and reintegration.
We call on all parties to cease hostilities, uphold their obligations under international law, and take immediate steps to prevent further harm.
Parties listed in the report must cooperate fully with the UN and implement action plans to protect children. We fully support the mandate of the SRSG, which remains essential.
We also underscore the importance of States implementing political commitments they have undertaken to protect education, health and other services vital for safeguarding children’s rights and well-being everywhere.
Furthermore, as the UN undergoes reform, safeguarding child rights expertise across all mechanisms is vital.
Special Representative, how can Member States best support your work during this period of institutional change?
Thank you.