Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of Secretary General on children and armed conflict at 58th session of the Human Rights Council
Intervention by Lithuania on behalf of the Lublin Triangle States delivered by H.E. Ambassador Darius Staniulis, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva
Thank you, Mr. Vice President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of Poland, Ukraine, and my own country, Lithuania.
We thank the Special Representative for presenting her report.
We value your call upon states to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and other relevant international legal frameworks, and to immediately end and prevent further grave violations against children in armed conflicts.
Yet, Russia blatantly disregards any law that requests ensuring the safety of children. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to bring suffering to thousands of children and their families. Children are being forcibly taken from their parents, deported, subjected to measures designed to erase their national identity, illegally adopted, and militarized by Russia.
Deliberate attacks carried out by Russia in Ukraine that affect objects protected by international humanitarian law, notably medical facilities, have been continuing for more than three years. Also, access to education is disrupted at all levels, and attacks on schools continue.
Madam Virginia Gamba,
You remind all Member States that children in armed conflicts are entitled to special protection under international human rights law. How to ensure that the perpetrator state is held accountable and that child victims receive compensation for the crimes committed against them?
I thank you.
