HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict

HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict

United Nations Human Rights Council

61^st Session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict

10 March 2026

EU statement

Madam Special Representative,

The European Union reiterates its strong support for your mandate.

We are deeply concerned that, for the third consecutive year, grave violations against children in armed conflict have reached unprecedented levels, with a 25 per cent increase compared to 2023. As your report makes clear, children are bearing the brunt of relentless hostilities, indiscriminate attacks and deepening humanitarian crises. The record number of children that are being killed and maimed, used and recruited by armed forces and armed groups, as well as the widespread and underreported sexual violence, disproportionately affecting girls, demand urgent action.

The EU is acting. The EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict reaffirm a comprehensive policy framework and commit the EU and its Member States to strengthen cooperation with your mandate and systematically monitor and report grave violations in support of the UN Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism. Operational tools, including a CSDP checklist, ensure that child protection is integrated into EU crisis management missions.

Through €1.9 billion in humanitarian aid for 2026, the EU provides targeted support to children in conflict zones. Ten per cent of this funding is dedicated to education in emergencies, a vital protection measure against recruitment, exploitation and other violations.

Across our diplomatic, development and peacebuilding efforts, we also support prevention, reintegration and rehabilitation for former child soldiers.

Together, these actions demonstrate the EU's steadfast commitment to protecting children in armed conflict and to ensuring accountability for those who commit grave violations.

Thank you.