58^th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict

Statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Riia Salsa-Audiffren on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden

12 March 2025

Mr President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.

We thank the Special Representative for her latest report [on challenges in ending and preventing grave violations against children and strengthening the protection of children affected by armed conflict].

In every armed conflict, children are the most vulnerable and exposed to its devastating effects. Every year, we hold onto the hope for progress in alleviating the suffering of children caught in armed conflict. Yet, year after year, the situation grows increasingly grim. As highlighted in the report, violence against children in armed conflict has reached extreme levels, the year 2024 being one of the darkest for children living amidst conflict.

The dire situation that children face worldwide is compounded by the denial of humanitarian access, recognized as one of the six grave violations by the UN Security Council. This intensifies the suffering experienced by children and has long-term consequences on the growth and development of children. It is imperative that all parties involved in conflicts fulfill their obligation to allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access for both international and local organizations to meet the needs of affected children and their communities.

We are looking forward to your guidance note to enhance the monitoring and reporting on the denial of humanitarian access to children being published.

Madame Special Representative,

After the publication of the guidance note, how to best ensure its wide application?

Thank you.