Children and armed conflict - VTC Open debate…

The open debate will consider the findings of the annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (A/75/873–S/2021/437). It will also be an opportunity to focus on issues related to the implementation of the children and armed conflict agenda, including the mid-term and long-term impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the protection of children in conflict, as well as the importance of a gender perspective in child protection, considering the specific risks faced by girls in armed conflict.

Equally, it will allow for the consideration of ways to strengthen the mainstreaming of child protection in the Council's agenda and by the United Nations and its Member States in all relevant activities, including conflict mediation and prevention. This objective is also linked to ensuring sufficient United Nations child protection capacity. The protection of children in armed conflict is underpinned by compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and supported by international initiatives alongside further prevention measures at the national or regional levels.