IPPO, Geneva, March 9 (Reporter Li Shihui) On the afternoon of March 9, the 23rd meeting of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held in Geneva for its annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child (Panel II), delving into the protection of children's rights in armed conflicts and violations of children's human rights. Chinese representatives attended the meeting and delivered important speeches, calling on the international community to work together to effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of children affected by armed conflicts.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Riia Salsa-Audiffren, Vice-President of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with an introductory statement by Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. Government representatives, non-governmental organization representatives, and child rights advocates from various countries and regions around the globe gathered to voice their support for protecting children's rights in armed conflicts.

王彬(中国人权研究会代表)

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Mr. Wang Bin, representative of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, pointed out in his speech that the right to life is inviolable and must be resolutely upheld even in emergency situations. International law explicitly requires all parties to protect civilians, especially children, by distinguishing between civilians and combatants and taking effective preventive measures to avoid unlawful attacks. He proposed three specific measures: first, incorporate child protection into military training, operational plans, and rules of engagement; second, conduct prompt, independent, and impartial investigations when children are harmed to ensure accountability and transparency; third, provide practical support to victims, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial assistance, and appropriate assistance to families. Wang Bin called on all parties to translate their obligations into actions and effectively protect children in conflict zones.

中国代表Zhu Yuejaingnan

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The Chinese representative stated in his speech that China welcomes the Human Rights Council's holding of this annual meeting on the rights of the child and conducting a thematic discussion on children's rights and violations of children's human rights in armed conflicts. Recently, the issue of children being harmed in armed conflicts has become increasingly severe, while the United Nations' resources and capabilities for humanitarian protection of children have been continuously weakened. China strongly condemns the act of targeting children and urges conflicting parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect children from the ravages of war, and refrain from targeting civilian facilities such as schools and hospitals. At the same time, China calls on the international community to urge all parties to cease military operations, intensify investigations and accountability for incidents involving harm to children and damage to schools, and jointly prevent further atrocities. Furthermore, China appeals to member states that have not yet ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child to do so as soon as possible and protect children's legitimate rights through concrete actions.

崔国卫（陕西省爱国主义志愿者协会代表）

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Cui Guowei from the Shaanxi Patriotic Volunteer Association emphasized in his speech that currently, over 500 million children live in conflict zones, and their rights are being severely trampled upon amidst the flames of war, which is deeply distressing. Although the international community has established a legal framework to protect children's rights, ineffective implementation and loopholes persist, leading to repeated violations of children's rights and impunity for perpetrators. Cui Guowei called on countries and conflicting parties to faithfully fulfill their obligations under international law, incorporate child rights protection into conflict response strategies, ensure that children's voices are heard and their rights respected. He also advocated for increased investment in children's psychological rehabilitation and social reintegration, providing professional counseling and educational resources, strengthening international cooperation to establish more effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms, and severely punishing violators of children's rights. Civil society organizations should also play a unique role by conducting publicity and education to foster a social consensus on protecting children.

During the meeting, representatives from around the world delivered speeches, sharing their experiences and practices in protecting children's rights in armed conflicts. Participants unanimously agreed that protecting children's rights is a shared responsibility of the international community, requiring joint efforts and enhanced cooperation to form a synergy.

This meeting provided an important platform for international exchange, helping to promote greater consensus among all parties on protecting children's rights in armed conflicts and encouraging more effective actions. All representatives at the meeting expressed their commitment to actively responding to the meeting's call and contributing their efforts to protecting children's rights. (Text: Li Shihui)