Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's analytical report on the human rights of women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations
16 September 2026
Mr. President,
I deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict.
We support the report’s call for strengthened accountability, access to justice, reparations and prevention measures for women and children affected by armed conflict. At the same time, children are rights holders in their own right and have specific vulnerabilities and protection needs in armed conflict.
According to the Secretary-General's latest annual report on Children and Armed Conflict, 38,558 grave violations, affecting 24,174 children were verified by the United Nations. This is the highest number of children affected since the mandate was created and signals a profound disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law.
All conflict parties must immediately cease all violations against children and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law .
Child survivors must have access to safe, accessible and child-sensitive justice mechanisms, as well as health, psychosocial and social support services. Reparations should respond to children’s specific needs and support their long-term recovery and reintegration and ensure their safe and meaningful participation in decisions affecting them. Perpetrators of grave violations against children must be held accountable through prompt, independent and child-sensitive investigations.
Finally, we underline the importance of prevention, including protecting schools and hospitals, and strengthening child protection and reporting mechanisms.