HRC61 - EU Statement - Annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child
United Nations Human Rights Council
61st Session
Annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child
Theme: Rights of the child and violations of the human rights of children
in armed conflicts
Panel 2: Mainstreaming the rights of children in armed conflict: reintegration and recovery, remedies and reparation
9 March 2026
EU statement
Distinguished panel,
The European Union welcomes this timely discussion.
The European Union’s Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict reaffirm that children affected by armed conflict are first and foremost victims whose rights and dignity must be protected throughout the conflict cycle.
Accountability is not optional: it is essential to prevention, recovery and reintegration. The Guidelines commit the EU and its Member States to systematically monitor and report grave violations against children and to support for the UN-led Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) and its Country Task Forces.
By reinforcing cooperation with the MRM, the EU helps ensure that violations are documented through child-sensitive methodologies. This strengthens the evidence base for justice processes while safeguarding children’s dignity, confidentiality and safety.
The Guidelines’ commitments are also translated into action in the EU CSDP missions through the use of the updated CAAC Checklist to practically integrate child protection into political dialogue, security sector reform and accountability support.
Importantly, the release or documentation alone is not enough: children formerly associated with armed forces or armed groups must receive long-term, gender- and age-responsive, community-based reintegration and psychosocial support, linking justice with durable recovery. Reflecting this comprehensive approach, the EU has committed an initial €1.9 billion humanitarian aid budget for 2026, providing life-saving food, protection, education and healthcare in crisis settings where children’s rights are most at risk.
Thank you.