HRC61 - EU introductory statement - L.27/REV1

HRC61 - EU introductory statement - L.27/REV1

UN Human Rights Council
61^st session - Item 3

L.27/REV1

Resolution on the Rights of the Child

EU introductory statement

Mr. President,

Following the introduction by Uruguay on behalf of Latin American and Caribbean States in the core group, the European Union is pleased to join in presenting draft resolution L.27 entitled 'The Rights of the Child: realizing the rights of the child affected by armed conflict'.

The theme of this resolution is unfortunately tragically relevant.

Across the globe, 473 million children are directly affected by armed conflict. According to the Special Rapporteur on Children and Armed Conflict grave violations against children has reached unprecedented levels and rose by 25 per cent from 2023 to 2024.

This reality demands a clear and united response from the Human Rights Council.

The resolution addresses the six grave violations against children in armed conflict: killing and maiming, recruitment and use, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access. These are not abstract categories but represent devastating harms inflicted on children every day.

The resolution also places emphasis on accountability, justice and remedies and reparations.

Mr. President,

After extensive consultations, we have sought to accommodate amendments, balancing diverse requests by delegations, with a view to ensure the strongest possible protection of the rights of children affected by armed conflict.

We urge all members of the Council to adopt the resolution by consensus.

Thank you.