UNSC Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
Statement on behalf of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (CANZ)
24 June 2026
Australia, Canada and New Zealand are deeply concerned by the rising levels of violence against children in situations of armed conflict. This year marks three decades since the establishment of this mandate. Today, we mark its anniversary with the news that violations against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels in 2025.
The Secretary General’s report documented over 38,000 verified grave violations against children across 23 contexts – the highest number since the establishment of the mandate. We condemn any targeting of children. No child should be targeted. We are deeply concerned by ongoing violations against children in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion, including strikes on schools and hospitals and denial of aid.
CANZ is appalled by the situation affecting children in Gaza as outlined in this report. We call for the full implementation of ceasefire agreements, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance and compliance with international humanitarian law, including for the protection of children. We continue to call on all parties in Myanmar to prioritise child protection, including ending forced conscription, abduction, and sexual violence. We also condemn the regime’s indiscriminate strikes, including on schools. President, today we make three points.
First, we strongly condemn unlawful attacks against schools and hospitals, as well as their military use. Such attacks violate international humanitarian law and further weaken already fragile systems. Attacks on hospitals deny children access to urgent and life-saving care. As we mark the ten-year anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2286, the rules and tools to protect medical facilities and workers are clear – what we need is the political will to implement them.
Similarly, attacks on schools endanger children’s lives, cause lasting physical and emotional trauma, and disrupt education, undermining long-term recovery and stability. Keeping children in the classroom is critical to breaking cycles of conflict. We are equally appalled by the use of schools for military purposes, which turns places of learning into targets. We urge all parties to cease this practice and fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration.
Second, we are deeply concerned by increasing restrictions on humanitarian access, which disproportionately affect children and young people. We call on all parties to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, in line with international humanitarian law. We also reaffirm the importance of protecting humanitarian personnel. We call on Member States to endorse and implement the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel recognising that protecting frontline workers is essential to protecting children.
Third, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand reaffirm our commitment to safeguard children’s rights and strengthening protection frameworks. We encourage all Member States to endorse and implement key tools, including the Declaration on Humanitarian Personnel, the Safe Schools Declaration, the Paris Principles and Commitments, the Vancouver Principles, and the Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. President, Parties to armed conflict must fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law.
We urge the Security Council and Member States to use all available tools to address violations and pursue accountability for perpetrators. Children in conflict situations are among the most vulnerable. Their protection is not optional, it is a test of this Council’s credibility and resolve.
Thank you.