UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict

Monday 28.06.2021 to Monday 28.06.2021
Virtual event

During its presidency of the Security Council Estonia will organise a high-level open debate on Children and Armed Conflict on 28 June 2021.

The open debate will consider the findings of the annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict. It will also be an opportunity to focus on issues related to the implementation of the children and armed conflict agenda, including the mid- and long-term impact of the 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 UN and Member States in all relevant activities, including conflict mediation and prevention.

This objective is also linked to ensuring sufficient UN 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 national or regional levels.

The debate will be chaired by the President of the Republic of Estonia, Ms Kersti Kaljulaid.

The meeting will take place on Monday 28 June via video conference at 8.00 AM (NYC time).There will be statements by briefers and the UN Security Council members. Other UN member states and observers are asked to share their statements in writing.

The meeting will be streamed live and is open to the public via UN WebTVYouTubeFacebook and Twitter.

GUEST SPEAKERS:

  • Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations;
  • Ms Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF
  • Mr Forest Whitaker, Advocate for Children Affected by War with the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation;
  • Mr Laban ONISIMUS, Education Team Lead, Plan International Nigeria

 

MORE INFORMATION:

Monday 28.06.2021 to Monday 28.06.2021
Virtual event