Thank you, Mr Chair.
Special Representative Frazier, we extend a warm welcome to you at the Permanent Council and appreciate your insightful address.
The United Kingdom firmly endorses the United Nations mandate concerning Children and Armed Conflict. This independent monitoring mechanism brings essential global focus to the plight of children affected by warfare, enhancing efforts for their protection, prevention of violations, and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
The latest report from the Secretary-General presents a concerning picture. It reveals a record number of verified grave violations against children during 2025, surpassing any previous year since the inception of the mandate. Tragically, children continue to face killings, injuries, abductions, recruitment, and sexual violence. Furthermore, schools and hospitals are under attack, and humanitarian aid remains obstructed.
The United Kingdom urges all parties involved to cease these grave violations against children and to adhere strictly to international law. We stand in support of the UN’s initiatives to engage with identified parties to avert further breaches. It is imperative that those who perpetrate such crimes are held accountable for their actions.
Safeguarding Education for Children
Ensuring the protection of education is of utmost importance. Attacks on educational institutions not only violate children’s rights but also expose them to increased risks of violence, recruitment, and exploitation.
Mr Chair, the ongoing conflict instigated by Russia continues to profoundly affect the children of Ukraine. The Secretary-General’s report raises alarms regarding the rising number of children killed and injured, with Russian armed forces being implicated, particularly through long-range assaults on civilian areas. The report also highlights persistent attacks on schools and hospitals, urging Russia to adopt an action plan aimed at halting severe violations against children.
Concerns Raised by the Moscow Mechanism Report
The findings from the 2026 Moscow Mechanism report present additional reasons for concern. Independent experts have identified that Russia is implementing a coordinated system of indoctrination and militarisation targeting Ukrainian children in territories currently occupied, employing coercive measures. Their reports indicate undue pressure placed on children, parents, and educators, alongside actions that suppress Ukrainian identity and enforce loyalty to the occupying authority.
Moreover, the experts noted that Russia has hindered family reunification efforts and has not established a system to restore children’s identities. They have urged Russia to cease these practices and ensure that deported children can return to their families or legal guardians safely.
Call for Action and International Collaboration
The United Kingdom calls upon Russia to fully implement these recommendations and to facilitate the immediate and safe return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly relocated or unlawfully deported.
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) can play a vital role by establishing facts, preserving evidence, and bolstering international initiatives aimed at protecting children and ensuring accountability.
Special Representative, in your view, how can insights from OSCE institutions and mechanisms, including the Moscow Mechanism, best enhance the UN’s monitoring, reporting, and accountability efforts?
The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting your mandate and collaborating with partners within the UN and the OSCE to safeguard the rights of children affected by armed conflict.
Thank you.