Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at te UNSC Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict - June 26th, 2024

Mr. President,

All protocol observed, Brazil was gravely concerned by the findings of the latest Secretary-General`s annual report on children and armed conflict. A 21% increase in the number of serious violations cannot be normalized. Concrete and urgent measures are needed. Brazil welcomes this debate proposed by the Republic of Korea, as it focuses on practical steps to reverse this trend.

The reasons for this increase are not unknown. The expansion of conflicts and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas are some of the reasons mentioned in the Secretary-General's report. Civilians have long overtaken military personnel in the number of casualties. They have become deliberate targets in conflict zones.

We witness a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Under these circumstances, we should not only reinforce the neutrality, impartiality and independence of humanitarian aid, but also ask ourselves how to make parties to conflict understand that humanitarian action depends on these very principles to carry out its activities.

Parties to conflict must comprehend that the denial of humanitarian access is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. It should be clear that subjecting civilians to starvation to military ends is a war crime.

Furthermore, the priority given to military gain is especially appalling when it affects an inherently vulnerable group such as children. It does not need to be that way. The plans of action negotiated by the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict with parties to conflict are a proof that it is possible to maintain a minimum level of civility even amid hostilities.

Brazil commends SRSG Gamba for her extraordinary work and for her courage in reaching out to all parties to conflict in dangerous circumstances. We must provide her office with adequate resources and fully support her efforts in engaging with parties in conflict-affected countries to safeguard the best interests of children.

We must also ensure that transitions and drawdowns will not result in weaker child protection when there are risks to their safety. The Security Council must not neglect this need when it re-evaluates the mandates of peacekeeping and special political missions. Within this framework, sufficient resources must be directed towards maintaining child protection and its monitoring activities.

I could not conclude without voicing Brazil`s deep concern over the ongoing situation in Gaza. The conflict in the region alone accounted for around a quarter of the grave violations verified last year, affecting more than 4.200 Palestinian children and 100 Israeli children. We must find practical measures to alleviate the suffering of these children; however, the most immediate way to protect children in the region is through a permanent ceasefire, peace negotiations and a genuine effort towards a two-state solution.

Thank you