United Nations Security Council Arria formula meeting “Red Hand Day 2026: Safe Education to Prevent the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflict”
Statement delivered by Ms. Deivi-Päivi Jahami, Attaché, Permanent Mission of Estonia
New York, 24 February 2026
President,
I thank Panama and the co-sponsors for convening today’s important discussion. I also thank the briefers for their contributions and for their steadfast work in protecting children in the world’s most difficult environments.
Red Hand Day is both a commemoration and a warning. It reminds us that the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict is not a relic of the past.
On the contrary – the global trend is deeply alarming. Verified grave violations against children continue to rise, including a dramatic increase in attacks on schools. When schools are targeted, children are pushed into higher-risk environments, making them exposed to exploitation, trafficking and forced recruitment.
Girls face specific and disproportionate risks in conflict, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, forced marriage and pregnancy, as well as stigma that further undermines their access to education and long-term recovery.
There are several acute situations around the world, in Sudan, Gaza, Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar and elsewhere, where conflicts are depriving children of their right to learn and to live in safety.
In Ukraine, Russia has damaged and destroyed thousands of educational institutions. Millions of children have experienced prolonged disruption of schooling. Particularly disturbing are the credible reports of the systematic deportation and forced transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russia. Such violations committed by a Permanent Member of the Security Council also erodes the credibility of this body.
President,
Estonia strongly supports the Safe Schools Declaration, the Paris Principles and Paris Commitments, as well as the Vancouver Principles. We encourage all Member States to endorse and fully implement these practical instruments.
Accountability is indispensable. Grave violations against children must be investigated and prosecuted through national systems and international justice mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court.
Estonia remains committed to advancing child protection across the UN system. As a member of the Human Rights Council in 2026 – 2028, and currently serving as a Vice-President of the Council, we will continue to promote the right to education in situations of conflict. Estonia is also honoured to serve as President of the UNICEF Executive Board, supporting UNICEF’s essential work in education and reintegration.
We recognize that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, must be governed responsibly. As co-chair of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Estonia works on ensuring, among other priorities, that digital tools reinforce, not undermine, the protection and education of children.
President,
Ensuring safe access to education reduces children’s vulnerability to recruitment, exploitation and abuse and helps to break the cycle of violence.
When we protect schools, we protect the future. Estonia calls on all parties to armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law and ensure that every child can learn in safety and dignity.
Thank you.