Sudan: An Immediate Need to End Violence and Protect Children
The alarming surge in violence caused by the rapid escalation of hostilities in Sudan has led to a detrimental impact on children. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), Virginia Gamba, calls attention to the plight of children affected by the ongoing violence and strongly condemned the recent attacks in Khartoum State. “Grave violations have risen to shocking levels since the conflict began. Hostilities must [...]
2025 must be a year where children’s rights are upheld even in armed conflict situations: Let us prove it matters.
The year 2024 marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which includes its Optional Protocol to prohibit the recruitment and use as soldiers of all children under eighteen years of age. What should have been a year of celebration in advancing fundamental rights of children, including during situations of armed conflict, has instead brutally demonstrated that children continue to bear the brunt of humanity’s [...]
It is high time to realize the Syrian children’s right to peace and stability
As Syria is at a crossroads and its future uncertain, the opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future must be seized by all actors. Children must be at the center of the country’s transition and reconstruction”, said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba. The Special Representative echoes the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for calm and non-violence at this sensitive time, while protecting the [...]
DRC: Thousands of Children Face Escalating Violence and Exploitation Amid Intensifying Conflict
Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remain deeply impacted by conflict, facing an increase in grave violations, according to the latest report by the UN Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the DRC. Covering the period from April 2022 to March 2024, the report reveals an 8% rise in verified violations compared to the previous period, with recruitment and use, abduction, and killing and maiming of [...]
Commemorating 35 Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Joint Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of the Child As we mark the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), we come together to celebrate this milestone in the advancement of the rights of children around the world. This landmark treaty, adopted [...]
Children and Armed Conflict and Climate Insecurity at COP29: A More Proactive Approach is Needed
As the world’s leaders gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th UN Climate Change Conference, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), Virginia Gamba, reminds that it is critical to pay attention to the interlinkages between climate, peace and security and the children and armed conflict agendas. A year after the publication of a discussion paper called ‘Climate Insecurity Impacts on Children and Armed [...]
Haiti: Persistent, Brutal Crisis Having Devastating Impact on Children
Children in Haiti have been facing increasing violations of their rights in recent months, as the country is witnessing unprecedented levels of brutality and lawlessness at the hands of armed elements. The armed violence in Haiti keeps intensifying and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, warns that children are at the heart of the crisis and are particularly vulnerable to armed gangs [...]
Philippines: Continuous Decrease in Grave Violations & Discussion Around Peaceful Resolution of Conflict Offers Hope for Sustainable Protection of Children GalleryPhilippines: Continuous Decrease in Grave Violations & Discussion Around Peaceful Resolution of Conflict Offers Hope for Sustainable Protection of Children
Philippines: Continuous Decrease in Grave Violations & Discussion Around Peaceful Resolution of Conflict Offers Hope for Sustainable Protection of Children
The continued decrease in grave violations against children in the Philippines, coupled with the intended agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), offers a glimpse of hope for children affected by conflict a new report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Philippines shows. Marking a 50% decrease compared to the previous period, the report highlights 58 [...]
Serious increase in grave violations against children in 2023, the sustained protection of children in armed conflicts is needed more than ever
Annual Report of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict to the General Assembly The Annual Report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, presented today to the General Assembly, reveals that the evolving nature, expansion, and increasing complexity of armed conflicts has led to a significant rise in grave violations against children. The report, which covers the period from [...]
New Study Sheds Light on Linkages Between Child Trafficking and Grave Violations Against Children in Armed Conflict, Calls for Increased Prevention, Protection, Accountability GalleryNew Study Sheds Light on Linkages Between Child Trafficking and Grave Violations Against Children in Armed Conflict, Calls for Increased Prevention, Protection, Accountability
New Study Sheds Light on Linkages Between Child Trafficking and Grave Violations Against Children in Armed Conflict, Calls for Increased Prevention, Protection, Accountability
The proliferation of armed conflicts around the world puts children at an increased risk of grave violations while the risk of being trafficked similarly increases during armed conflict and transitional periods. Hence, a new study published today suggests using a trafficking framework to prevent, categorize, and respond to violations against children in armed conflict, including the six grave violations*, in an effort to increase synergy in prevention, protection, and accountability [...]