Our rights in war: a child-led space to shape recommendations for States

The children on the panel underlined their wish to be regarded as partners in bringing about change and to become an active part of the solution, not being treated solely as victims of war. To achieve that, they asked to receive dignity, safety, and trustfrom adults to help them overcome the hardships they are faced with. They recommended that children meaningfully participate in the elaboration and implementation of programmes and policies throughout the conflict cycle.

Teenage girls from Ukraine pointed to their own research about the ways in which armed conflict affects their anxiety levels and cause emotional stress. The majority, they said, would wish to have safe informal spaces to go to, but fear being stigmatized for asking for psychological help. Some of them do their own advocacy work to tackle these challenges. Their self-advocacy helped organize yoga and psychological sessions for other kids or helped arrange board games and art sessions at local youth centres.

No child should have to live through war. Yet millions of children continue to face violence, displacement, loss of education and family separation. Your courage in sharing your experiences and your perspectives reminds us why the protection of children in armed conflict must remain a global priority. - Deputy Head of Mission Michele Cervone D'Urso

Children's voices can help states consultations and find solutions. That is also why the EU held consultations with children to inform its resolution on children affected by armed conflict. This is to ensure that children's voices and lived experience informs actual responses and programming throughout the conflict cycle, and to let young human rights advocates like the young participants at this panel know, that their voices matter, their experiences matter, and that their resilience inspires.

The EU is committed to supporting children affected by armed conflict. This includes strengthening the protection of children and supporting access to education, psychosocial support and reintegration. The EU also continues to stand with Child Human Rights advocates and will continue to support efforts to protect their rights, their dignity and their future.

*Arigatou International; War Child; Lumos; Save the Children; Child rights connect; Defence for Children International.

EU Delegation, 2026