Statement by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the United Nations at the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution on Children and Armed Conflict

President,

Guyana welcomes the adoption of the resolution on “Ensuring Sustainable Child Protection Capacity including during UN Peace Operation Transitions” which we were pleased to vote for and cosponsor. I thank the delegation of Malta for this valuable initiative that places child protection at the heart of peace operations.

Millions of children in our world today continue to be devastated by armed conflict. Recent data shows increased numbers in all six grave violations against children. The Security Council must therefore use all the tools at its disposal to improve the protection of children.

As recognized by the resolution, UN peace operations play a vital role in the protection of children, particularly through the inclusion of dedicated child protection advisers to ensure child protection in mission operations. They also monitor, verify and report on grave violations and abuses against children.

We have seen examples of how increased child protection capacity in countries has led to improvements in the lives of the children. We have also seen how abrupt closures of the UN Missions without proper planning, capacity building and resources for sustainable child protection have had negative impacts.

Among other critical provisions, today’s resolution addresses coordination of functions among key UN entities and governments or authorities and for smooth and responsible transfer of mission responsibilities on child protection, during transitions.

With some UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions set to transition over the coming months, it is essential to focus on continuity and sustainability of child protection programmes both by UN country teams and national authorities.

In closing, the Council must continue to prioritize the inclusion of child protection provisions and capacities in mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations and special political missions. I also reiterate Guyana’s firm belief that peaceful resolution of conflicts remains the best protection for children.

I thank you!