UN General Assembly 79th session 3rd Committee
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Ms. Virginia Gamba
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia on behalf of Nordic and Baltic countries
10 October 2024
Mr Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states.
In every armed conflict, children are the most vulnerable and exposed to its devastating effects. As highlighted in the report, violence against children affected by armed conflict has reached extreme levels.
Your report paints a deeply troubling picture of the suffering inflicted upon children in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and other conflict affected areas.
The overview of violations against Ukrainian children caused by Russia’s war of aggression is disturbing. The systematic deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia is a serious international crime.
The fact that the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for the alleged war crimes of unlawful deportation and unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children illustrates both the urgency and severity rightly attached to the issue.
Madame Special Representative,
In your view, what can the international community do to accelerate the work to ensure full accountability for the atrocity crimes committed against children in connection to current conflicts around the globe?
Thank you.