Delivered By: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Madam President,
I would first like to commend Guyana for its leadership of the Council this month and to thank Minister Persaud for presiding over the meeting earlier today.
I also wish to thank SRSG Gamba and Ms. Gupta for their important contributions, as well as Ms. Sila for her powerful testimony. We echo her hope that children in Syria, and indeed all over the world, will live without fear.
The United Arab Emirates aligns itself with the statement delivered by Yemen on behalf of the Arab Group as well as that which will be delivered by Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Madam President,
With grave violations against children in conflict settings growing more brutal, widespread, and deliberate, we are morally compelled to redouble efforts to protect every child, everywhere.
Yet as children remain trapped in the agonizing crosshairs of war, the gravity of today’s reality demands an even greater escalation of our efforts.
To that end, the United Arab Emirates would like to highlight the following urgent issues:
First, the Security Council must, without distinction, call on all parties to conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to allow unimpeded, safe, and sustained humanitarian access.
This is essential for the protection of children, whose vulnerabilities skyrocket when they are cut off from assistance.
The denial of humanitarian aid is a breach of international humanitarian law. We note that the violation of international humanitarian law, and in some cases, the obstruction of humanitarian access, are listing criteria under many UN sanctions regimes.
In setting out the mandates for its relevant Panels of Experts, the Security Council should consider specifically asking for the inclusion of information on the denial of humanitarian access into their reporting.
Second, we must ensure a survivor-centered and trauma-informed approach in addressing the surge in sexual violence, including specifically for children. This requires eliminating stigmas and providing mental health and psychosocial support to help overcome trauma.
Not only does this approach provide them with safe spaces, but it also strengthens accountability of perpetrators.
Third, ending conflicts is the most effective way to stop the horrific killing and maiming of children which remains on the rise. The international community should therefore relentlessly pursue ceasefires in all conflicts.
As we work towards silencing the guns, all parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to alleviate the impacts of war on children.
The situation in Gaza epitomizes the urgency of this crisis. The failure to protect its children is a profound moral indictment, resulting in the largest generation of child amputees in history.
Madam President,
As the UN looks ahead to its 80th anniversary and considers reform, we must leverage the architecture in place to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable.
Because every child – in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and every corner of the globe – deserves to live in safety and dignity. Thank you, Madam Presi