Colleagues and distinguished guests; Thanks to the Permanent Mission of Malta for the opportunity to speak at this Children and Armed Conflict side event commemorating the upcoming first anniversary of UNSCR 2764.
This resolution remains a pivotal step toward strengthening global efforts to protect children affected by armed conflict.
It also marks a significant achievement for Malta, as Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) was a key focus of Malta’s priorities during its UNSC tenure. Deservedly, also, in October 2025, Malta’s former Ambassador, Vanessa Frazier, was appointed the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
In December 2024, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2764 (2024), drafted by Malta as Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. Among other things, this resolution emphasizes the need for two major things. One, sustainable child protection capabilities in United Nations peacekeeping operations, and two, the importance of a smooth, responsible transfer to the UN country teams during mission transitions or withdrawals. While the long-term effects of Resolution 2764 are still developing, its ultimate success depends on effective implementation by various stakeholders and, over time, on measuring its impact rather than just its cost.
Excellencies, in 1924, we committed ourselves morally and legally to the rights of every child. In the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, we declared that “mankind owes to the child the best it has to give. One hundred years later, the declaration still needs to be fulfilled. An estimated 473 million children worldwide are affected by armed conflict. Children continue to be disproportionately affected by armed conflicts, suffering violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Children do not start conflicts, but they often become their worst victims. As we approach this anniversary, the need to strengthen child protection in UN peace operations cannot be overstated. As such, this anniversary must be a call to renew our commitment to safeguarding children in UN missions. Children deserve safety, education, and hope for a future free from harm. May this anniversary refocus our efforts on ensuring that all UN peacekeeping personnel receive mandatory pre-deployment and in-mission training on child rights, protection, and the responsibilities of peacekeeping missions.
May this anniversary remind us to remain dedicated to integrating child protection into mission planning and implementation, including DDR and security sector reform. May this anniversary also be an opportunity to continuously ensure a smooth transfer of child protection responsibilities to UN country teams and national authorities during mission withdrawals or transitions.
Finally, let us remain committed to allocating resources as a vital investment in prevention and response. “Mankind owes the child the best it has to give.”
