Pakistan Urges UN to Address Rising Violence Against Children in Conflict Zones
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called for stronger international efforts to protect children living in conflict zones, particularly those under foreign occupation, amid what it described as a “brutal surge” in violence against minors during 2024.
Speaking at a UN Security Council debate on Children and Armed Conflict, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, highlighted the alarming rise in child rights violations and urged global action to ensure their safety.
Record High Violations in 2024
Ambassador Ahmad referenced the UN Secretary-General’s latest report, which recorded over 41,000 verified grave violations against children—a 25% increase from the previous year. He noted that these included incidents of malnutrition, injury, displacement, and in some cases, loss of life due to violence.
He specifically mentioned the plight of children in conflict-affected regions, including Gaza and Jammu and Kashmir, and stressed the need for ongoing international reporting and accountability.
Call for Investigations
Referring to events earlier this year, Ambassador Ahmad expressed concern over incidents that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, including children. He called for a comprehensive investigation and recommended that such cases be considered in the upcoming Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) report.
Diplomatic Exchange at UN
The session saw differing views expressed by member states. An official from the Indian delegation, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, responded by emphasizing India’s stance on regional security and sovereignty.
In reply, Pakistani delegate Rabia Ijaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s concerns over the humanitarian situation affecting children and referred to multiple international human rights reports. She also mentioned historical incidents, such as the 2014 Army Public School tragedy, as an example of how conflict can impact young lives.
A Shared Global Responsibility
The debate at the United Nations underscores the urgency of protecting children in armed conflict. With verified violations on the rise, member states were reminded of their obligations under international humanitarian law and the importance of prioritizing child welfare in peace and security discussions.
Note: The United Nations continues to monitor and report on violations against children in conflict zones through its CAAC framework, which aims to protect children from the six grave violations identified by the UN, including recruitment, abduction, and attacks on schools and hospitals.
