UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC)
“Strengthening the prevention of and protection of education for children affected by armed conflict: from normative commitments to effective implementation”
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN
New York, 24 June 2026
President,
We thank Colombia for convening today’s open debate and the briefers for their valuable presentations.
Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and would like to add the following.
As we mark the 30th Anniversary of the CAAC mandate, allow me to start by reaffirming Estonia’s unwavering support to the Office of the Special Representative of Secretary-General (SRSG). To confirm our commitment, Estonia joined the SRSG’s global campaign “Prove It Matters”. We encourage all member states to join. Protection and promotion of the rights of the child is also one of our priorities as a member of the Human Rights Council, where Estonia currently serves as Vice-President. Our commitment is further reflected in our role as the President of UNICEF Executive Board Bureau.
President,
As today’s debate focuses on attacks on schools and hospitals as one of the six grave violations against children in armed conflict, I would like to draw attention to the fact that a Permanent Member of this Council is listed in the annex of the Secretary-General’s annual report on this exact basis. For the fourth consecutive year, we can find the Russian Federation from the list of shame for attacks on Ukrainian schools and hospitals, in addition to killing and maiming of children. We recall the UN Security Council Resolution 2242 (2015) and the Secretary General’s decision that countries repeatedly listed in the annexes of his reports on CAAC, as well as on conflict-related sexual violence, are prohibited from participating in UN peacekeeping operations.
Therefore, we call for the suspension of Russia’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operations immediately. We also repeat our call on Russia to end its war of aggression against Ukraine, to stop killing, maiming and raping Ukrainian children, to cease the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children and ensure their unconditional, immediate and safe return, and to engage in genuine ceasefire negotiations without preconditions.
President,
Unfortunately, recent trends show no improvement in any parts of the world. Year after year, the report reflects a sharp increase of grave violations against children. Once again, we are confronted with the shocking reality faced by children in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the DRC, Nigeria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon and Somalia among a number of other conflict zones. Violations against children cannot be justified under any circumstances. We unequivocally condemn all violations against children and call all parties to conflict to abide by international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The perpetrators of these heinous acts must be brought to justice.
Colleagues,
All violations against children must be investigated and prosecuted through national systems and international justice mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court. Accountability is non-negotiable.
I thank you.