Statements<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\nThe representative of\u00a0Malta<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>expressed deep concern over the escalating grave violations against children, which have \u201creached unmatched numbers\u201d. \u00a0He noted that the use of explosive weapons in populated areas has significantly increased these violations and called for all parties to ensure \u201cunimpeded, safe and timely humanitarian access\u201d. \u00a0As Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, he welcomed the relevant Secretary-General\u2019s annual report, adding that \u201cthe annexed list of perpetrators is a critical tool to end violations and protect children in situations of armed conflict\u201d. \u00a0He went on to emphasize the urgent need for mitigating actions against violations of children\u2019s rights in various conflicts worldwide. \u00a0Urging the Council to \u201cconsider the impact of withdrawals on child protection capacity\u201d, he spotlighted the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the withdrawal of MONUSCO has affected the work of child protection advisers.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Guyana<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said: \u00a0\u201cA good barometer to measure the world\u2019s humanity is how we treat [\u2026] our children.\u201d \u00a0In 2023, violence against children reached extreme levels: \u00a0the 35\u00a0per\u00a0cent increase in the number of children killed and maimed tells \u201ca chilling tale of lack of compliance with international legal obligations, as well as lack of humanity\u201d.\u00a0 Parties to the various conflicts have completely lost sight that the protection of children must always be the first consideration, she observed, adding that \u201cthere is no glory in killing, maiming and violating children\u201d.\u00a0Turning to the conflict in Gaza \u2014 where there has been an unprecedented increase of 155\u00a0per\u00a0cent in the scale and intensity of grave violations against children \u2014 she said that 21,000 children are missing there, many trapped beneath rubble, detained, buried in unmarked graves, or separated from their families. \u00a0\u201cWhat did they do? \u00a0What harm could they have brought on the occupying Power?\u201d she asked.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of the\u00a0Russian<\/strong> Federation<\/strong><\/u>, detailing the situation in Gaza, said that this is the international community\u2019s \u201cmain challenge in the protection of children\u201d.\u00a0 While the violence that Israeli children endured on 7\u00a0October\u00a02023 has no justification, he underscored that \u201cthese victims do not justify Israel\u2019s violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza\u201d.\u00a0<\/strong>Verified cases in the report alone far surpass indicators in other conflict situations, and even more appalling are the 23,000 violations yet to be verified.\u00a0 \u201cWe trust that the UN will focus all efforts and resources to restore the full picture of what is transpiring,\u201d he stated.\u00a0 He went on to stress that \u201cthe delivery of Western weapons is one of the most serious factors behind the outbreak and spread of conflict\u201d.\u00a0However, the report \u201ceffectively disregards\u201d ongoing systematic violations of international humanitarian law by Ukraine.\u00a0 \u201cIt appears that Russian children are not of interest for the UN and they do not need its protection,\u201d he noted, stressing that \u201cpoliticization is the only explanation\u201d for the Ukrainian Armed Forces\u2019 absence \u2014 and the Russian Federation Armed Forces\u2019 presence \u2014 in the report.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Sierra<\/strong> Leone<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that 25 years since the adoption of resolution 1261 (1999) children worldwide continue to face violations and denials of their rights.\u00a0 His Government has made the elimination of and prevention of all forms of exploitation, abuse and violence against children its top priority and has recently passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.\u00a0 He said that Governments should be responsible for protecting children\u2019s physical and mental health, stressing the importance of open dialogue to sustain child protection and urging States to refrain from putting children in harm\u2019s way.\u00a0 Pointing to the completion of action plans in the Lake Chad region and Iraq, he observed that beyond check box exercises, sustained effort is required.\u00a0 \u201cIt takes a village to raise a child\u201d, he observed, adding that \u201ca child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth\u201d.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Slovenia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>urged all parties to conflict listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General\u2019s report to engage with the Special Representative and the UN on the ground, also calling for dialogue that would enable development and implementation of action plans.\u00a0 Denying children access to humanitarian assistance is \u201cparticularly cruel and inhumane\u201d, he stressed adding: \u00a0\u201cIt is heartbreaking to read about the significant increase of the humanitarian denial.\u201d\u00a0 Noting that schools should be nurtured as safe havens for children, he observed that, instead, education is under attack in many countries.\u00a0 \u201cThere should be zero tolerance for violations of international human rights law,\u201d he underscored, welcoming the adoption of key strategic and policy documents of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and the Revised Policy on Children.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0China<\/u><\/strong>, stressing that Israel should stop its collective punishment of the Palestinians, welcomed the listing in the Secretary-General\u2019s annual report of the perpetrators of grave violations against children in the Gaza conflict.<\/strong>\u00a0 To effectively protect children, the Council must stay committed to the political settlement of hotspot issues, do more in diplomacy mediation and work for the cessation of fighting across the world.\u00a0 Humanitarian and children-related issues should not be politicized or weaponized.\u00a0 \u201cChildren living in countries such as Afghanistan and Syria deserve the same level of assistance,\u201d he emphasized. \u00a0As well, severe punishment must be enforced against violations of children, he said, urging the Council to impose more forceful sanctions against Haitian gangs to cut off their weapons supplies and to counter child recruitment and killing.\u00a0Children\u2019s education and development must be ensured, he underscored, adding that the Summit of the Future must be leveraged to assist countries in conflict in eradicating poverty, achieving universal education and bridging the digital divide.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0France<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>underscored the \u201cabsolute need\u201d to combat the scourge of violence committed against children in armed conflict. \u00a0\u201cThe 21\u00a0per\u00a0cent increase in the number of violations in 2023 is shocking,\u201d he said, urging perpetrators to cease these abuses and calling on the United Nations to redouble efforts to achieve this goal. \u00a0In Sudan, where child violations have surged by 480\u00a0per\u00a0cent, combatants must stop the fighting and allow humanitarian aid, he stressed. \u00a0He also demanded the return of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to safeguard children<\/strong>. \u00a0Emphasizing the importance of using all available instruments to protect children\u2019s rights and combat impunity, he\u00a0pledged that France will continue its financial support for the UN\u2019s monitoring and reporting mechanisms.<\/p>\nThe representative of the\u00a0United<\/strong> States<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that this year\u2019s report provides \u201ca sobering snapshot\u201d of the devastating impact of conflict on children, with thousands upon thousands of children subject to sexual violence, abduction, recruitment and use as child soldiers.\u00a0 In Sudan \u2014 now the world\u2019s largest developmental crisis \u2014 young boys have been recruited by the two warring parties, and young girls have been sold into sexual slavery.\u00a0 In Ukraine, where children have experienced the horrors of the Russian Federation\u2019s full-scale invasion, dozens upon dozens of children have been abducted, detained and tortured by its armed forces.\u00a0 In Haiti, schools have been shuttered and children continue to be used in criminal activities.\u00a0 Underlining the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza \u2014 where children have borne far too much of the war \u2014 she urged Hamas \u201cto take the deal without delay\u201d<\/strong>.\u00a0Spotlighting small glimmers of hope, she noted that the Special Representative\u2019s engagement with parties to conflict resulted in the release of more than 10,000 children from armed groups and armed forces.<\/p>\nThe representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>described the Secretary General\u2019s report as \u201chorrifying\u201d and emphasized the crucial role of the children and armed conflict mandate, which \u201cmust continue this vitally important work\u201d. \u00a0Spotlighting the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, he called for an end to the fighting to stop the suffering of children, adding: \u00a0\u201cThe fastest way to do this is for Hamas to accept the terms of the deal on the table.\u201d<\/strong> \u00a0On the war in Ukraine, he urged the Russian Federation to end its unjustifiable invasion and cease the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children. \u00a0\u201cAs a Council we must uphold the specific rights and vulnerabilities of children and amplify their voices,\u201d he said, adding that \u201cchildren are not numbers\u201d.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Ecuador<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that destroying children\u2019s \u201csafe spaces\u201d exposes them to recruitment, sexual violence and forced displacement.\u00a0 Further, restricting humanitarian efforts, limiting the work of female staff and interfering with the flow and destination of goods exacerbates children\u2019s vulnerability.\u00a0\u201cWhile we wait for peace to prevail\u201d, he urged States to design national frameworks to protect children and promote universal accession to relevant international instruments.\u00a0 Further, States must recognize, in their own legal frameworks, that \u201cchildren remain children until they reach the age of 18\u201d and that minors recruited by armed groups must be treated as victims, not former combatants, he said.\u00a0 Additionally, family reunification and safe, dignified return for those displaced are critical, and the international community must strengthen implementation of de-mining plans to reduce the risk of death and mutilation from improvised explosive devices.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Switzerland<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said: \u00a0\u201cThere is no second chance for childhood\u201d, observing that children fear for their lives in many armed conflicts.\u00a0 Pointing to the highest number of grave violations ever verified \u2014 an increase of a quarter from 2023, she said: \u00a0\u201cWe are collectively failing our duties to children.\u201d \u00a0She reported that her country financially supports monitoring and reporting mechanisms in Syria and Yemen.\u00a0 \u201cThe withdrawal of UN missions must not be at the expense of child protection,\u201d she continued, highlighting the importance of protection and monitoring activities during and after transitions.\u00a0 To that end, Switzerland contributed to UNICEF\u2019s funding and seconded child protection specialists to UN agencies, including to Mali, following the withdrawal of the UN Multidimensional Integration Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA).\u00a0Encouraging States to sign the Safe Schools Declaration, she said that her Government will continue funding the Education Cannot Wait fund.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Algeria<\/u><\/strong>, pointing to the\u00a0Israeli occupying Power\u2019s continued attacks, said that in Gaza, within a few months, more than 15,000 children were killed, more than 19,000 children orphaned and an estimated 4,000 children still buried under the rubble, amputated or detained by the occupying Power.\u00a0 More than 600,000 children live now in the street and among the rubble without access to education, with more than three quarters of schools in the Gaza Strip bombed by Israel.\u00a0Due to the occupying Power\u2019s restrictions on humanitarian aid, people in Gaza face catastrophic levels of hunger, and 50,000 children require urgent treatment for malnutrition, while 1\u00a0million people in southern Gaza are trapped without clean water or sanitation.\u00a0He reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and unconditional and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. \u00a0Urging the international community to shoulder its responsibility, he stressed: \u00a0\u201cIt must act, so that children in Palestine, especially in Gaza, are protected and can live a dignified and safe life, immune from violence, oppression and terror.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Japan<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>expressed deep distress over the Secretary-General\u2019s latest report, highlighting the extreme rise in violence against children. \u00a0The prolonged fighting in Gaza resulting in significant child casualties is alarming, he said, urging the international community to act \u201cdecisively and consistently\u201d to improve the situation of children in armed conflicts<\/strong>. \u00a0For this reason, he called on all parties to the conflicts listed in the annexes to the latest report to engage constructively with the United Nations. \u00a0It is imperative to eliminate impediments to humanitarian assistance reaching children, he underscored. \u00a0Upholding children\u2019s right to education and supporting their development under armed conflict must be prioritized, he stressed, adding: \u00a0\u201cSchools should serve as safe havens for children.\u201d \u00a0Additionally, the international community must ensure that child protection measures remain in place during UN peace operations withdrawals.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Mozambique<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>described the situation of children in armed conflict as \u201cbleak and of deep concern\u201d, demanding \u201curgent, thorough and comprehensive action\u201d. \u00a0Terrorism and violent extremism are among the most devastating causes of the plight of children around the world, he observed, emphasizing that States bear the primary responsibility to protect children. \u00a0\u201cIn conflict situations, children must be treated primarily as victims, including those associated with armed groups,\u201d he stressed, calling for \u201clong-term and predictable\u201d funding for reintegration programmes for children. \u00a0All parties should cooperate with the United Nations and humanitarian partners to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. \u00a0Likewise, strengthening child protection capacity in all United Nations peace operations and political missions is critical, he added.<\/p>\nThe representative of the\u00a0Republic<\/strong> of Korea<\/strong><\/u>, Council president for June, speaking in his national capacity, said that despite deepening divergence of geopolitical and military interests, Member States must be united in protecting children.\u00a0 The Council must consider the inclusion of child protection mandates in the broader range of UN peacekeeping missions and special political missions.\u00a0 He encouraged the UN to maintain its evidence- and criteria-based monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations of children\u2019s rights in situations of armed conflict.\u00a0 Turning to human rights violations in Pyongyang \u2014 including forced labour \u2014 he said that people are sent to labour camps as collective punishment and can also be sentenced to death \u201conly because they watched and distributed South Korean dramas\u201d.\u00a0 Also, children in the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea face acute malnutrition and limited access to health care, \u201cwhile most Korean leaders enjoy luxury goods and recklessly pursue WMD [weapon of mass destruction] programmes\u201d.<\/p>\nThe representative of the\u00a0Russian<\/strong> Federation<\/strong><\/u>, taking the floor for a second time, expressed shock that the United States, \u201cwhich has been helping Ukraine kill children in Russia\u201d, is trying to lecture Moscow. \u00a0In response to the allegations of child abductions and deportations from Ukraine, he clarified that those children were evacuated from the conflict zones in accordance with humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. \u00a0He dismissed claims of abduction contained in the report as misleading, noting that many cases stemmed from marital disputes. \u00a0\u201cThe overwhelming majority of children are arriving to Russia together with their parents\u201d, he said. \u00a0He urged the international community to review bulletins available on the website of the Ombudsman on the Rights of the Child, referencing cases where Ukrainian children \u201callegedly abducted\u201d by the Russian Federation were unexpectedly found in other countries like Germany.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Ukraine<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that the Russian Federation\u2019s aggression has had catastrophic consequences for children in his country, adding that at least 1,389 children have been wounded and 551 killed.\u00a0Furthermore, 1,895 children have gone missing during the hostilities and 15 cases of sexual violence against minors have been recorded.\u00a0 Also, almost 4,000 educational institutions across Ukraine have suffered bombing and shelling, while 365 of them have been destroyed completely.\u00a0 Nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcefully transferred or deported to the Russian Federation or temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, he said, stressing that Moscow is obstructing the repatriation process by imposing additional conditions and hindering verification procedures.\u00a0 To date, only 736 have been repatriated.\u00a0 The country also persists in its deliberate policy of Russification, imposing its education system and banning Ukrainian education.\u00a0 Against this backdrop, he welcomed the Secretary-General\u2019s decision to keep the Russian Federation\u2019s armed forces and affiliated armed groups on the list of grave violators for the killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools and hospitals.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Liechtenstein<\/u>\u00a0said he is troubled by the nearly 8,000 children reportedly killed in Gaza<\/strong>.\u00a0 \u201cThe psychological and physical impacts of living in a conflict zone endure for a lifetime\u201d, he observed, noting that Ukrainian children are paying an extraordinary price for Moscow\u2019s aggression. \u00a0He reiterated the obligation of States parties to the Rome Statute to comply with the execution of arrest warrants, including those issued for the former Russian Federation Minister of Defence, Sergei Shoigu, and the Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov. \u00a0\u201cIt is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child can be spared the scars of war,\u201d he stressed, calling on States to support the Safe School Declaration.\u00a0Also noting that male survivors of sexual violence are often unable to access legal remedies, he commended the Liechtenstein-based All Survivors Project that raises awareness of this overlooked aspect of conflict-related sexual violence.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Egypt<\/u><\/strong>, aligning himself with the Arab Group, said that \u201cthe world, all over, is witnessing Israel\u2019s destructive war against the Gaza Strip\u201d.\u00a0 This includes a \u201cmultiplication of violations against children\u201d, he stressed, as well as the targeting of education and health facilities and the restricting of access to food aid.\u00a0 Calling on the international community to address double standards in the treatment of global crises and violations of international law, he urged States to pressure Israel to end its war in Gaza, lift obstacles to aid delivery and \u201cadopt a comprehensive ceasefire to spare further escalation in the region\u201d.\u00a0 <\/strong>He also expressed support for all efforts to guarantee respect for international law and the protection of children during armed conflict, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Croatia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>expressed concern that Government forces were among the main perpetrators of attacks on schools and hospitals and those denying humanitarian aid.\u00a0 He, thus, encouraged States to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.\u00a0As highlighted at the Humanitarian Affairs Segment of the Economic and Social Council, held under Croatia\u2019s chairmanship, \u201cimpunity leads to further escalation of violence and widens existing trust gap\u201d, he said.\u00a0 He then underscored the importance of conflict prevention in sustaining peace and the key role of the Peacebuilding Commission in addressing root causes of conflict.\u00a0 Deploying the light-footprint civilian missions could assist transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding or prevent fragile countries from sliding into conflict, he added.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Poland<\/u><\/strong>, associating himself with the European Union and the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, said the global community must do everything possible to stop the deteriorating situation of children in armed conflict and hold the perpetrators accountable.\u00a0 He voiced full support for Israel\u2019s right to self-defence and condemned the attacks by Hamas, while reiterating the call for respect for international law<\/strong>.\u00a0 In Ukraine, the Russian Federation continues its disgraceful practice of forcibly displacing Ukrainian children, he said, urging the international community to join Kyiv\u2019s initiatives aimed at facilitating the return of Ukrainian children to their homes, such as the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and the Peace Formula. \u00a0Poland is a proponent and a co-author of resolution 2475 (2019), which underscores the need for inclusive measures to protect and support children with disabilities in conflict zones, he said, voicing hope that the Secretary-General will continue to address the situation of those children in his reports.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Pakistan<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>expressed concern over the \u201cunjust\u201d omission from the report of the situation of children in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. \u00a0\u201cGenerations of Kashmiri children have grown up amidst fear of violence and repression under foreign occupation,\u201d he said, detailing the plight of children in the occupied territories, where\u00a0where human rights violations are \u201ctragically routine\u201d. \u00a0The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and special rapporteurs have been denied access to these territories to investigate these violations, he noted. \u00a0Urging an investigation into the reported detention and torture of 13,000 Kashmiri youth by Indian forces after August\u00a02019, he said his country had previously submitted to the UN a dossier with 3,432 cases of war crimes, corroborated by evidence. \u00a0Objecting to the references to Pakistan in the Secretary-General\u2019s report, which are \u201coutside of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur\u201d, he detailed his country\u2019s extensive legal, policy and operational measures to protect children.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Canada<\/u><\/strong>, speaking on behalf of the\u00a0Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict<\/strong><\/u>, voiced extreme concern over the scale and scope of the grave violations against children in 2023.\u00a0\u201cThe skyrocketing number of grave violations verified in some situations of concern included in the Secretary-General\u2019s report is deeply disturbing,\u201d he said, calling on all parties listed in the Annexes to immediately implement action plans and other concrete, time-bound measures to strengthen the protection of children in armed conflict.\u00a0Accordingly, he urged all parties to armed conflict to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.\u00a0 Further, he called for full accountability for all grave violations through national and international justice mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court.\u00a0 He also stressed the importance of adequate resourcing for child protection specialists and activities across UN mechanisms and operations. \u00a0Greater support for the full and effective implementation of child protection mandates by UN peace operations, including in contexts where they may be in transition, is also essential.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Indonesia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said:\u00a0 \u201cGenocide is unfolding in Gaza, with children being the biggest casualty.\u201d\u00a0 Those who have died there \u201cmay have been the lucky ones\u201d, he added, as those who survive exist in a \u201cliving hell\u201d while the world \u2014 and the Council \u2014 \u201cseem to be helpless\u201d<\/strong>.\u00a0 Similar suffering is faced by many children in Myanmar, Sudan and other conflicts around the world.\u00a0 Underscoring that the Council cannot continue failing to resolve conflicts, he said that such failure \u201cis a death sentence for the future generation\u201d.\u00a0 Against that backdrop \u2014 and while \u201cmany seem to have turned a blind eye to Palestinian children\u2019s right to live\u201d \u2014 he stated that the world must stop the double standards in protecting children against grave violations of human rights.<\/strong>\u00a0 He also welcomed the Secretary-General\u2019s recommendation to ensure that child protection is included in the relevant mandates of peacekeeping operations and special political missions.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Bulgaria<\/u><\/strong>, aligning herself with the European Union and the Group of\u00a0Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, noted that \u201cevery lost child\u2019s life is one too many and there is no justification for it\u201d. \u00a0Bulgaria remains steadfast in its condemnation of Moscow\u2019s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, she stressed, also expressing concern over the effects on children caused by the situations in Sudan, Haiti and Afghanistan.\u00a0Calling on States to support the Safe Schools Declaration, she also encouraged them to adhere to the Vancouver Principles, ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and implement the Paris Principles.\u00a0 Quoting Nelson Mandela, she stated: \u00a0\u201cThere can be no keener revelation of a society\u2019s soul than the way in which it treats its children.\u201d<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Guatemala<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said indiscriminate attacks against hospitals and educational facilities and direct attacks against civilians by explosive weapons, landmines and the use of chemical weapons, which cause the death of thousands of children, must be subject to the Council\u2019s robust sanctions. \u00a0Voicing concern about the lack of humanitarian access to meet the needs of children, she called on all conflict parties to allow and facilitate humanitarian aid, in accordance with international law. \u00a0Guatemala will continue to advocate for conflict prevention, early warning, the responsibility to protect, disarmament, ceasefire, mediation and the holding in good faith of peace talks that include the protection of children as a priority. \u00a0After the withdrawal of peacekeeping operations, child protection capacities and monitoring and reporting mechanisms should be maintained to avoid an increase in vulnerabilities and risks, and, in turn, grave violations, she urged.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Austria<\/u><\/strong>, aligning himself with the European Union and the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict, described as \u201cshocking\u201d the verified 30,705 grave violations of international humanitarian law committed in 2023, affecting 22,557 children worldwide. \u00a0\u201cWe must not forget: \u00a0these are not merely statistics\u201d, he said, adding: \u00a0\u201cThese are individuals with hopes and dreams, with rights and human dignity.\u201d \u00a0The protection of children in armed conflicts is not an option, it is a must, he stressed, calling upon all Member States, in particular parties to armed conflicts, to respect international law as well as international child protection norms. \u00a0Those responsible for grave violations against children must be brought to justice through prompt investigations, he underscored, stressing: \u00a0\u201cEvery violation is one too many.\u201d<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Greece<\/u><\/strong>, aligning himself with the European Union and the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, said that gender plays a key role in the exposure of children to grave violations.\u00a0Attacks on education as well as acts of sexual violence have a disproportionate impact on girls and devastating consequences for their communities at large, he said, calling upon all parties to conflict to facilitate access to and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to all children.\u00a0 \u201cIt is important that all child protection provisions are incorporated in the mandates of UN peacekeeping and special political missions, in particular during mission transitions,\u201d he stressed, adding that as an incoming Security Council member, Greece reaffirms its support for the children and armed conflict agenda.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Brazil<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that \u201ccivilians have long overtaken military personnel in the number of casualties\u201d as they have become deliberate targets in conflict zones.\u00a0 Parties to conflict must comprehend that the denial of humanitarian access is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. \u00a0\u201cIt should be clear that subjecting civilians to starvation to military ends is a war crime,\u201d he asserted. \u00a0Furthermore, the priority given to military gain is especially appalling when it affects an inherently vulnerable group such as children. \u00a0However, it does not need to be that way, he observed, spotlighting the plans of action negotiated by the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict with parties to conflict.\u00a0 Underscoring the need to ensure that transitions and drawdowns will not result in weaker child protection when there are risks to their safety, he said that the Council must not neglect this need when it re-evaluates the mandates of peacekeeping and special political missions.<\/p>\nThe representative of the\u00a0European<\/strong> Union<\/strong><\/u>, in its capacity as observer, said it was \u201cunacceptable\u201d that the international community \u201cstruggles to put an end\u201d to the six grave violations affecting children the most in times of war. \u00a0He urged all parties to armed conflict to uphold their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to prevent violations against children. \u00a0\u201cThe fight against impunity is essential in this context,\u201d he added. \u00a0Turning to the Russian Federation\u2019s \u201cunprovoked and unjustified\u201d war of aggression against Ukraine, he reiterated a call upon Moscow to \u201cstep up its efforts to protect children and to facilitate the immediate return of all Ukrainian children that have been abducted [\u2026]\u201d. \u00a0Detailing grave violations committed against children in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory on and after 7\u00a0October\u00a02023, he stressed that \u201cpreventing further loss of life is an absolute priority\u201d, while urging an \u201cimmediate ceasefire\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\nIn the context of the spiralling violence in Sudan, he said it was essential for all parties to fulfil their obligations under international law to ensure the protection of all children and to cease hostilities. \u00a0Against this backdrop, the UN\u2019s children and armed conflict tools are more essential than ever, he noted, emphasizing the need for increased financial support for the UN\u2019s monitoring and reporting mechanism and child protection in UN peace operations. \u00a0He also detailed the Union\u2019s children and armed conflict guidelines, which include a checklist for integrating child protection into the Union\u2019s common security and defence policy missions, offering practical advice for operational activities.<\/p>\n
The representative of\u00a0Malaysia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>condemned attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as the denial of unimpeded humanitarian access to innocent civilians in conflict.\u00a0 Expressing concern over the \u201canticipated decline\u201d in the humanitarian situation in many countries \u2014 such as Myanmar \u2014 due to such denial, he called on parties to strictly adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and underlined the importance of the monitoring and reporting mechanism.\u00a0He also welcomed the listing of Israeli armed and security forces, for killing and injuring children and attacking schools and hospitals, as \u201clong overdue\u201d.\u00a0 \u201cAtrocities committed by Israel on innocent Palestinian civilians \u2014 including children \u2014 have persisted for far too long,\u201d he said, adding that the lives of thousands of Palestinian children could have been saved if \u201cstrong condemnation and decisive action against the occupying Power\u201d occurred earlier<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Kazakhstan<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that Council members should advocate for full compliance with relevant international treaties and Council resolutions, noting that \u201cfailing to uphold these obligations is a breach of morality and humanity\u201d.\u00a0 Member States should also adhere to the Safe Schools Declaration, the Paris and the Vancouver Principles.\u00a0 To reinforce accountability, it is important to formulate comprehensive child protection strategies and allocate sufficient funding to maintain child protection priorities following the transition of the UN peacekeeping missions.\u00a0Children who lack opportunities and education are more vulnerable to recruiters and perpetrators, he said, underscoring the importance of preventive measures and the need for increased investments in overall development, as well as addressing children\u2019s socioeconomic needs.\u00a0\u201cWe must also enhance support for reintegration and rehabilitation programmes for children affected by armed conflict, as we do in Kazakhstan,\u201d he added.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Germany<\/u><\/strong>, associating himself with the European Union and the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, voiced alarm by the steep increase in grave violations in Israel and Palestine.\u00a0He condemned Hamas\u2019 practice of abusing schools and hospitals for military activities and once again called on Israel to conduct military operations strictly in line with humanitarian law.<\/strong>\u00a0 Turning to the situation in Ukraine, he said it is unacceptable in the third year of its unprovoked attack that the Russian Federation still has not signed an action plan with the UN.\u00a0 Germany continues to be UNICEF\u2019s second largest donor and will continue to support the Office of the Special Representative in developing guidance notes on the denial of humanitarian access to be launched later this year, he said.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Chile<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>pointed out the \u201cworrisome\u201d increase of\u00a0violations of children\u2019s rights in armed conflict in 2023.\u00a0\u00a0Acknowledging the UN\u2019s progress in protecting children through engagement with conflict parties in several countries, he observed that 10,600 children previously linked to armed forces or groups received protection or reintegration support in 2023. \u00a0Underscoring the importance of collective international efforts to protect children in armed conflict, he detailed his country\u2019s commitment to the cause through the ratification of relevant treaties. \u00a0Given the high level of children\u2019s vulnerability, he underscored the fundamental focus on \u201cprevention\u201d. \u00a0Spotlighting the inclusion of Israel in the list of countries that seriously violate children’s rights in armed conflict, he said: \u00a0\u201cThis can serve as a new alert to bring an end to the invasion by Israel of the Gaza Strip.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Saudi Arabia<\/u><\/strong>, speaking for the\u00a0Arab Group<\/u><\/strong>, said that Israel is committing \u201cgenocide\u201d in Gaza, targeting civilians in their homes and tents despite international calls to protect Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 Israel also strikes hospitals, schools, humanitarian convoys and medical teams in blatant violation of international law and uses starvation as a weapon of war.\u00a0He therefore called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and pressure on Israel to stop its war against the Strip \u2014 \u201ca war that has proved to be a war against Palestinian civilians\u201d.\u00a0 Further, Israel must allow humanitarian aid to flow fully, rapidly and unimpeded pursuant to Council resolutions 2712 (2023), 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024) and 2735 (2024).<\/strong><\/p>\nHe also renewed the call to open all land crossings to provide food and medicine to the Palestinian people and allow evacuation of the injured.\u00a0Israel must also release all Palestinian children it has arrested, and he welcomed the Secretary-General\u2019s decision to include Israeli military and security forces on the \u201cblacklist\u201d for their crimes.\u00a0 For its part, the international community must bear its responsibility to protect Palestinian children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and force Israel \u2014 as the occupying Power \u2014 to comply with its obligations in this regard.\u00a0Adding that Israel\u2019s violent practices are \u201csomething that no human can accept, that no ethics can accept\u201d, he underscored that Israel must be held accountable.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Philippines<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that children do not belong to the battlefield, adding that armed conflict \u2014 in which they have no say \u2014 deprives them of education and the right of being children.\u00a0 \u201cWe stand for peace and for peaceful settlement of disputes,\u201d he stressed, highlighting the substantial decrease in violations against children in his country thanks to the whole-of-Government approach.\u00a0 His country is committed to implementing the Children in Situations of Armed Conflict law.\u00a0In that regard, Philippines armed forces and police authorities have adopted child protection policies.\u00a0Furthermore, capacity-building for State and non-State partners has also been initiated, helping the Government to train more than 3,000 child protection actors.\u00a0 Noting that children embody the most compelling justification for the existence of countries, he added: \u00a0\u201cA State without children is a State on the brink of extinction\u201d.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Colombia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said the Truth Commission \u2014 established through the 2016 Peace Accords between the Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ej\u00e9rcito del Pueblo (FARC-EP)\u00a0\u2014 heard the testimonies of 1,559 people who had suffered multiple violent events during their childhood and adolescence. \u00a0The findings and stories have fostered mechanisms and actions aimed at protecting children and adolescents and ensuring safe environments, based on the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols, among other legal instruments. \u00a0She called for strengthening national justice systems, supporting the International Criminal Court and ensuring comprehensive witness protection programs.\u00a0 \u201cChildren recruited by armed groups are not combatants; they are victims\u201d, she emphasized, urging investment in programs that provide these children with the skills and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Luxembourg<\/u><\/strong>, aligning himself with the European Union and the Group of Friends of Children in Armed Conflict, expressed shock at the increase in grave violations against children in 2023, noting \u201cthe real figure is a lot higher\u201d. \u00a0Deploring the deteriorating situation faced by children in many hotspots, he stressed that \u201cthe lists annexed to the annual report must continue to reflect the reality\u201d. \u00a0He further voiced concern over the growing refusal of humanitarian access and attacks on schools and hospitals, emphasizing that international law must be respected and \u201cschools must be a safe place for children\u201d. \u00a0He underscored that impunity for grave violations against children is intolerable, with the International Criminal Court playing a crucial role.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Portugal<\/u><\/strong>, aligning himself with the European Union and the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, said that child protection strategies should be developed for UN missions\u2019 transition periods and their personnel and capacity should be preserved within the offices of resident coordinators.\u00a0 \u201cNotwithstanding the fact that we should continue working on the normative dimension, it is implementation that is lagging behind,\u201d he noted.\u00a0 Further, he called on Moscow to step up efforts to facilitate the return of abducted Ukrainian children, also noting that the denial of humanitarian access in Sudan is \u201cstealing away the last line of hope for hundreds of thousands of Sudanese children\u201d.\u00a0 Calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza<\/strong>, he also urged the Taliban to lift the suspension of girls\u2019 secondary education and to reopen schools beyond the sixth grade for all girls.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0T\u00fcrkiye<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>stressed: \u201cThere is no solution for Palestinian children other than a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid and resumption of education.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0Turning to Syria, he said that the suffering of children continues unabated due to grave violations by the regime and terrorist organizations such as PKK\/YPG [Kurdistan Workers\u2019 Party\/Kurdish People\u2019s Protection Units] and its offshoots.\u00a0 However, such organizations\u2019 grave violations are not limited to Syria, as they continue to kill, maim and abduct children in Iraq.\u00a0 Further, they recruit and use children as soldiers and hinder the provision of better public services and infrastructure.\u00a0 \u201cThe terrorist organization also exploits the vacuum of authority in order to target my country from Iraqi soil,\u201d he said, pointing to 1,084 attacks on T\u00fcrkiye from Iraq in 2023.\u00a0 Stating that allegations in the report on T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s counter-terrorism operations in Syria and Iraq are \u201cungrounded\u201d, he said that such operations are conducted in full compliance with international law.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>\u00a0noted that Secretary-General\u2019s report fails to acknowledge Hamas\u2019 systematic use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes and, thus, \u201cobscures [the] real culprits of this conflict\u201d. \u00a0\u00a0The report\u2019s failure to include Israel\u2019s humanitarian actions further distorts the reality on the ground.\u00a0 For years Israel been concerned about the report\u2019s methodology, he said, observing that this year\u2019s report has \u201csunk to the new low\u201d.\u00a0 The decision to include Israel to the annex of the report \u2014 alongside terrorist organizations \u2014 is counterproductive for protecting children.\u00a0This approach erodes the credibility of the children and armed conflict agenda and fails to address the realities of asymmetric warfare, he stressed, adding that by failing to address these crimes, the UN creates safe havens for terrorists.\u00a0 \u201cThe UN\u2019s disregard for this modus operandi of terrorist organizations places children all over the world \u2014 today and in the future \u2014 in great danger\u201d, he added.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Denmark<\/u><\/strong>, speaking also on behalf of\u00a0Finland<\/u><\/strong>,\u00a0Iceland<\/u><\/strong>,\u00a0Norway<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Sweden<\/u><\/strong>, called on Member States and parties to conflict to comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law. \u00a0Voicing concern about the immense suffering of children in Gaza<\/strong>, grave violations against children in Ukraine and Sudan, and the situations in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Mali, Myanmar and Yemen, she stressed that all parties to conflict must allow and facilitate the rapid, safe, systematic and unimpeded access of relief personnel, equipment and supplies, as well as timely delivery of humanitarian assistance. \u00a0Member States must investigate and prosecute those responsible for grave violations of international law against children and cooperate with international justice mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court.<\/p>\nThe existing mechanisms and frameworks for protecting children must be strengthened, she continued, noting that the monitoring and reporting mechanism is a prerequisite for the children and armed conflict mandate.\u00a0 As such, its funding and maintenance must be ensured.\u00a0 In Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Chad, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar and in Gaza<\/strong>, the ground is contaminated with explosive remnants of war, exposing children and their families to harm and preventing development and sustainable peace, she said, calling for greater action to prevent the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.\u00a0 During UN-mission transitions, child protection must be carefully planned for and capacities preserved and transferred to relevant actors to ensure that children are not left exposed to violations, she added.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Lebanon<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>highlighted the severe impact of Israeli aggression on children in the south of Lebanon since 7\u00a0October, with 12 children killed, more than 75 injured and over 30,000 children fleeing to the north of the country. \u00a0Welcoming the designation of the Israeli army and security forces on the list of perpetrators of grave violations against children in armed conflict, he stressed the importance of \u201cholding the perpetrators accountable\u201d. \u00a0The Secretary-General\u2019s latest report mentioned six Lebanese children killed or maimed by the Israeli army in 2023, he observed, voicing hope that the next year\u2019s report will include updated figures. \u00a0\u201cWe are worried of the long-term impact of this aggression on the safety, health, and education of our children,\u201d he said, calling for increased international pressure on Israel to end its aggression and to\u00a0seek diplomatic solutions.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Viet Nam<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that addressing the root causes of conflicts through sustainable development helps to prevent conflicts fuelled by economic and social disparities.\u00a0 Additionally, Member States \u2014 especially those party to conflict \u2014 must abide by their obligations under international law and relevant UN resolutions to protect civilian populations and infrastructure and to ensure unhindered humanitarian access.\u00a0 \u201cMore efforts and priorities must be channelled towards ceasefires for the ongoing conflicts around the world,\u201d he stressed, which would save lives, facilitate humanitarian efforts and allow children to be reunited with their families and return to school.\u00a0 Also urging the creation of a comprehensive framework that integrates peacebuilding and economic development with child protection, he said that his country \u2014 \u201chaving gone through decades of war and witnessed first-hand the grave consequences of conflicts on children\u201d \u2014 puts the \u201chighest premium\u201d on the protection of children.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Qatar<\/u><\/strong>, aligning herself with the Arab Group and the\u00a0Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, said that her Government \u2014\u00a0as a leading international player \u2014\u00a0is proud of its efforts to support good quality education and strengthen the right to education in emergency situations.\u00a0 Furthermore, Qatar has launched international efforts to adopt the General Assembly\u2019s resolution on safe schools and provided support to the analysis and communication centre in Doha of the Office of the Special Representative.\u00a0 This centre was inaugurated in June\u00a02022 to support capacity-building and prevent violations against children in armed conflict. \u00a0As part of the ongoing efforts in that regard, the Government has evacuated more than 2,000 sick and injured children from Gaza and has sent dozens of airplanes with humanitarian assistance to the Strip.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Yemen<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>voiced regret that the Secretary-General’s report does not mention the distortion of school curricula or the establishment of so-called summer camps by the Houthi militia to brainwash children with extremist ideas and fill their minds with slogans of death and hatred.\u00a0 Pointing to the hundreds of children on the Galaxy ship photographed by international media, he said: \u00a0\u201cThis is the largest open recruitment operation at the hands of the Houthi militia that run counter to calls for de-escalation.\u201d\u00a0 His Government remains keen to support the efforts of the UN and the Yemen country team to stop violations against children, he said, voicing hope that the upcoming Secretary-General\u2019s report will address those violations. \u00a0He called on the UN and international partners to provide support for the Yemeni Government\u2019s programmes to rehabilitate and reintegrate children affected by conflict and to support their psychological and mental health.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Lithuania<\/u><\/strong>, speaking also on behalf of\u00a0Estonia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Latvia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>and aligning himself with the European Union, said that the persistent increase in child suffering calls for \u201crenewed dedication to protecting children in conflict zones, reinforcing the importance of our collective responsibility to safeguard their futures\u201d. \u00a0Drawing attention to the fact that\u00a0the Russian Federation is the only permanent member of the Council listed in the annexes of the report for the second consecutive year, he expressed confusion about Moscow\u2019s \u201csupposed engagement\u201d with the Special Representative. \u00a0Also, commending international efforts, especially those led by Qatar, to mediate the return of \u201cunlawfully deported or forcibly transferred\u201d Ukrainian children, he voiced alarm over Moscow\u2019s extensive \u201cpassportization campaign\u201d in Ukraine. \u00a0On the situation in the Middle East, he stressed it was \u201ccrucial to promptly and without delay agree to a humanitarian pause in hostilities\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Armenia<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said:\u00a0 \u201cUnderreporting is a major challenge that can lead to bias and inadequate response, enabling the perpetration of further violations.\u201d\u00a0The war unleashed against Nagorno-Karabakh in September\u00a02020, amidst the global pandemic, caused immense suffering, destruction and the displacement of thousands of people.\u00a0Deliberate strikes damaged medical facilities and destroyed schools, and the civilian population in Nagorno-Karabakh became victim to an inhumane blockade.\u00a0 Then, after a 10-month siege, Azerbaijan unleashed a large-scale military offensive in September\u00a02023, \u201cas a result of which the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh was forced to leave their ancestral homeland and find refuge in Armenia\u201d, she said.\u00a0 Also stating that educational curricula in Azerbaijan \u201care aimed at indoctrinating children with \u2018Armenophobia\u2019 and inciting violence and intolerance\u201d, she condemned fuelling hatred based on national identity among children and youth.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Bangladesh<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that his country \u2014 home to 1.2\u00a0million Rohingya refugees \u2014 is concerned about cross-border implications of the violations against children in Myanmar. \u00a0The country\u2019s Constitution safeguards life, liberty, freedom from torture and prohibition from forced labour of all citizens including children and has established legal and policy frameworks to protect and promote their rights.\u00a0 The Children Act\u00a01974 is the principal law aimed at protecting children, while the 2000\u00a0Women and Children Repression Preventions (Special Provisions Act) penalizes crimes of violence against women and children.\u00a0 Highlighting that Bangladesh peacekeepers have served in many difficult situations to protect children, he added: \u00a0\u201cThis is a shame that the onslaught [in Gaza] is still continuing.\u201d\u00a0 He, thus, requested the Special Representative to \u201cpay more attention to this tragic happening in Gaza\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Mexico<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>voiced support for peace operations, including the advisers for the protection of minors who are helping Governments to adopt national strategies and bolster local infrastructure for peace.\u00a0 Also needed is continued pressure through the Council and other UN bodies, so that parties to conflict fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law and are otherwise reported to other bodies, such as the International Criminal Court.\u00a0 Mexico will continue to strongly condemn all forms of violence against children during armed conflict and will always raise its voice against forced recruitment, killings, maiming, sexual violence and attacks against children\u2019s human rights in all their forms.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Jordan<\/u><\/strong>, aligning himself with the Arab Group and the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict, said that the high increase in the violations against children in\u00a02023 has \u201cgrave repercussions and dire implications\u201d on children and the peace and security of the world and future. \u00a0Noting that\u00a0the \u201cbarbaric\u201d Israeli war against Gaza has killed around 38,000\u00a0Palestinians, with children accounting for one third, he described the blacklisting of the Israeli army and security forces for grave violations against children, as evidence of that country\u2019s \u201cdeliberate killing of civilians, including children\u201d and its tactic to use starvation as a weapon. \u00a0He called for immediate action from the Security Council and the international community to stop the aggression, lift the siege on Gaza and protect civilians from further violence, starvation and humiliation.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0India<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>said that terrorists and armed groups continue to commit the majority of violations against children in conflict zones.\u00a0 Noting that \u201cchildren remain particularly vulnerable to indoctrination through violent extremist ideologies designed to foment terrorism\u201d, he stressed that this challenge can only be overcome by \u201cresolute action by Governments on whose territory such entities operate\u201d.\u00a0 Among other points, he called for a more inclusive approach to provide protection to child victims of armed conflicts, as those who face relocation and reintegration require special attention.\u00a0 \u201cChildren who grow up in conflict and post-conflict situations often need a fresh start,\u201d he observed.\u00a0 Also noting \u201cpolitically motivated and unfounded\u201d remarks made by one representative against India, he said:\u00a0 \u201cI categorically dismiss and condemn these baseless remarks with the contempt they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0Spain<\/u><\/strong>, aligning herself with the European Union and the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, expressed concern over the high levels of killing, maiming and detentions of Palestinian children in the conflict in Gaza, while also condemning the killings, abduct<\/strong>ions and sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on 7\u00a0October\u00a02023.\u00a0 \u201cSpain calls for the immediate and permanent ceasefire,\u201d she stressed.\u00a0 She noted that most of the above incidents are caused by explosive weapons in populated areas, also condemning the denial of humanitarian aid.\u00a0Reporting that attacks on educational establishments have increased by 20\u00a0per\u00a0cent in\u00a02022-2023, she said that they expose children to the greater risks of suffering violations.\u00a0 She further expressed concern over children\u2019s access to health care, stating: \u00a0\u201cChildren do not start wars and they should not be victims of conflict.\u201d<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0South Africa<\/u><\/strong>, associating himself with the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, said parties to conflict must take every measure to ensure that children are protected and treated according to international norms and standards.\u00a0 He voiced concern by the assertion in the report that State actors are responsible for the majority of killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access, especially when they bear the primary responsibility for protecting children.\u00a0He implored all stakeholders in conflict regions to respect and adhere to international law and international humanitarian law.\u00a0 Voicing grave concern by the impact of the Israeli war on Palestinians in Gaza, particularly on children, he said Israel\u2019s unprecedented and disproportionate targeted attacks must not be ignored and must cease in accordance with the recent 24\u00a0May Order of the International Court of Justice.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe permanent observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>\u00a0expressed profound regret that it took a \u201cgenocidal war\u201d against his people to finally add Israel to the \u201clist of shame\u201d this year. \u00a0He highlighted the devastating toll in Gaza, where nearly 16,000\u00a0Palestinian children were killed and another 21,000\u00a0are missing. \u00a0Gaza, once a vibrant place where children set world records in sports, has now been reduced to a graveyard.\u00a0 He condemned the erosion of morality witnessed globally during eight months of conflict, as images flooded social media showing Palestinian children starving, injured with severe burns or no limbs, fighting for their lives. \u00a0\u201cWhere is your humanity?\u201d, he asked, calling for \u201ccollective resolve and responsibility to pressure Israel to stop the madness\u201d. \u00a0\u201cEnforce a ceasefire now, save our and your humanity now,\u201d he added.\u00a0 The persistent \u201cpolitical appeasement and double standards\u201d made Israel believe it was exempt from the rule of law, he said, dismissing the \u201clie\u201d about \u201cthe Israeli army\u201d as the \u201cmost moral army in the world\u201d. \u00a0There is nothing moral in using attacks against civilians, including children, as a weapon of war, as a tool for political pressure in negotiations, or a catalyst to stay in power, he emphasized<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe representative of\u00a0