Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the UN, at the UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

Since its establishment in 1996, the children and armed conflict mandate has advanced the protection of conflict-affected children, but unfortunately more still needs to be done.

It is with grave concern we familiarized with the most recent report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict and the subsequent report of the Special Representative.

Armenia condemns in strongest terms physical, sexual and emotional violence against children and urges to adhere to the obligations under International Law, including International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. We support the call for the universal ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Protocol relating to children in armed conflicts.

Under "The Pact for the Future", the Member States pledged to accelerate the implementation of their commitments under the children and armed conflict agenda. The Security Council reaffirmed that the right to education, including in situations of armed conflict, is fundamental to the achievement of peace and security.

Armenia welcomed the adoption of the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development and has always been vocal in highlighting the urgency of safeguarding the right to education for all, particularly for children and learners affected by armed conflict, occupation, poverty, disasters, humanitarian and other crises, including for refugees, IDPs, victims of racial discrimination and people in vulnerable situations.

Stressing the need to ensure continuity of inclusive and quality education and to protect educational institutions and civilian personnel connected to them from attacks and threats of attacks, Armenia also tabled a relevant resolution, which is currently discussed in the General Assembly.

I thank you.