Launch of A New Campaign to Protect Children in Conflict by United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict

The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, is launching ‘Prove It Matters’, a new global campaign calling for the urgent need to uphold the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and ensure that children’s voices are heard.

The campaign urges Member States—especially those on the Children and Armed Conflict agenda—to publicly reaffirm their commitment to the CRC and take immediate steps to protect children’s fundamental rights to life, health, education, and safety. It also invites children worldwide, particularly those affected by conflict, to participate in a symbolic initiative and create origami doves to share their messages to the world. These origami doves will be collected throughout the year to form a giant collective art piece to be displayed at the United Nations in New York in 2026.

This global effort relies on strong partnerships. The Office of the Special Representatives is collaborating closely with Member States identified as Champions, UN agencies, NGOs, and, most importantly, children themselves. More information about the campaign as well as the list of partners and Champions can be found on www.proveitmattersnow.com

The campaign was launched today in Geneva thanks to the strong support of the Principality of Andorra, of the Government of Malta, and of the Group of Friends for children and armed conflict in Geneva, co-chaired by Belgium and Uruguay.

Now is the time to renew our collective commitment to protect the most vulnerable in times of conflict: children. Children’s rights are not just a duty—they are a shared responsibility. Children have rights, children want peace. It’s time to Prove It Matters.

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For more information:

Ariane Lignier, Communications Officer, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict: ariane.lignier@un.org

Fabienne Vinet, Political Affairs Officer, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict: vinet@un.org