Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict

Thank you, Madam President,
 
I thank Guyana for convening this important annual debate. I also thank Ms. Gamba, Ms. Gupta, and the civil society briefer for their sobering remarks.
 
Japan is deeply distressed that grave violations against children have reached unprecedented numbers, with a 25 per cent increase in 2024. Protracted conflicts are particularly alarming for child protection, such as the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip where child casualties continue to increase. Japan also remains gravely concerned by the recruitment and use of children in Myanmar and the high numbers of children killed and maimed in Sudan.  

Japan strongly condemns the abduction of children by Russia and urges the immediate repatriation of these children to reunite them with their loved ones. Further, Japan is deeply concerned about the devastating effects of explosive ordnance, including Russian airstrikes and landmines, on children in Ukraine.
 
Madam President,
 
As this year marks the 20^th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1612, we must recommit and take urgent action to reverse trends and improve the situation of children in armed conflict. In this regard, I wish to highlight the following critical areas.
 
First, Japan reaffirms its strong support for the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) agenda and calls for strengthened accountability measures for perpetrators of grave violations under international humanitarian and human rights law.

Japan condemns all grave violations against children and calls on all parties to conflict to take concrete action to end and prevent violations, including through developing joint action plans with the UN.
 
Second, it is imperative to ensure full, safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to children. In light of the steady increase in verified cases of denial of humanitarian access, Japan welcomes the new guidance note by the Office of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC) and UNICEF as a tool to better address this grave violation.
 
Third, it is essential to uphold children’s right to education and support their development in armed conflict. Access to safe and quality education for children is the cornerstone of the future, particularly for girls who are disproportionately affected by disrupted education and become vulnerable to other grave violations, such as sexual violence.
 
Lastly, more action is needed to protect children in post-conflict settings, including in cases of transition or drawdown of UN peace operations. Japan has advocated for the early development of transitional plans and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between UN peace operations, UNICEF and other UN agencies, and local governments to ensure no child is left behind. Such coordination is even more crucial as we engage with the UN80 initiative. In this regard, we call for the steady implementation of Security Council resolution 2764 adopted last year.
 
Madam President,
 
Japan remains committed to working with the international community to uphold human security, placing the protection of children under armed conflict at the core, so that all children can live in dignity and grow up in a safe environment without fear.
 
I thank you.