Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : ID with SRSG on ‘Children and armed conflict’, at the 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council (24 February – 4 April 2025) delivered by Ms. Anupama Singh, First Secretary, PMI Geneva

12 March 2025

Mr. President

  We thank the SRSG for her report. As conflicts persist in different regions across the globe, children continue to endure immense suffering. Terrorist and armed groups continue to violate children's rights.

My delegation would like to make few points:

2. States bear the primary responsibility for safeguarding children's rights as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We urge Member States to ratify the Optional Protocol on children's involvement in armed conflict.

3. Sexual violence, exploitation, and other severe abuses against children carried out by terrorists require increased attention and decisive action. Children are particularly susceptible to being indoctrinated by violent extremist ideologies aimed at promoting terrorism. Strong and decisive measures from governments in areas where such terrorist groups operate are crucial to addressing this issue.

4. The significance of quality education and skill development in alleviating the adverse effects of conflict cannot be overstated. Leveraging digital technologies for education, vocational training, and psychosocial support offers new opportunities for children in conflict zones. Protecting schools, especially for girls, and healthcare facilities is crucial.

5. Children’s reintegration into society affected by armed conflict needs greater focus.

Mr. President

6. Children are future of humankind. "Protecting Childhood is Safeguarding Humanity." In closing, I would like to reaffirm India's strong commitment to supporting the UN's efforts in safeguarding children in armed conflict situations.

Thank you.