Statement by India on Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict
10 March 2026
Mr President,
We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her comprehensive report, which offers a sobering account of the escalating challenges in ending and preventing grave violations against children and in strengthening the protection of those affected by armed conflict.
Despite more than twenty‑four years since the entry into force of the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, the number of children suffering the consequences of conflict continues to rise. The report’s findings highlight the urgent need for renewed global commitment to protect children.
We echo the Special Representative’s call for all parties to armed conflict to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and to uphold the special protections afforded to children.
Quality education and skills development remain essential lifelines for children whose lives have been disrupted by conflict. Leveraging digital technologies for education, vocational training, and psycho-social support can help restore hope and opportunity for conflict affected children.
Children are the future of humankind. Protecting childhood is safeguarding humanity. India supports advancing the Children and Armed Conflict agenda and in ensuring that every child, everywhere, is protected from the horrors of war.
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