Pakistan welcomes UN decision to remove references in child conflict report

Pakistan on Friday welcomed a decision by the United Nations secretary general to remove references to the country in the annual report on Children and Armed Conflict, calling it a recognition of Islamabad’s efforts to protect child rights.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Friday, Pakistan termed the development a “significant outcome” and a testament to its “constructive, sustained, and intensive engagement” with the United Nations, particularly the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC).

The UN’s Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) agenda monitors six grave violations against children in conflict zones: killing and maiming, recruitment and use of children, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.

The report, published on June 17, acknowledged the agreement between Pakistan and the United Nations on a child protection roadmap, formalised in June 2025, and urged its effective implementation.

While noting progress, the UN secretary general expressed concern over reports of grave violations, including attacks on schools—particularly girls’ schools—health workers, and incidents along the Afghan border.

However, he added that, given Pakistan’s cooperation and preventive measures adopted under the agreement, the country would not be listed in the next annual report.

“In view of the level of grave violations in Pakistan and the preventive measures adopted as agreed by the Government in June 2025 in cooperation with the United Nations to protect children, the situation of Pakistan will be removed from my next report,” the secretary general noted.

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The FO said the decision reflects international recognition of Pakistan’s legislative, institutional, and policy measures to protect and promote the rights and well-being of children while reaffirming country’s commitment to aligning national frameworks with international norms and best practices in child protection.

Pakistan, it added, remains committed to close cooperation with the UN to ensure a safer and brighter future for children.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a statement on X, also welcomed the UN secretary general’s decision, calling it “a reflection of our sustained, constructive engagement and Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to child protection.”

He added, “It also marks a significant recognition of Pakistan’s national efforts to uphold child rights and ensure their well-being. Pakistan remains committed to working with the United Nations and international partners to secure a safer, more hopeful future for all children.

Report reveals grave violations against children

According to the United Nations report, violence against children in armed conflicts surged to record levels in 2024, with a 25% increase in grave violations compared to the previous year.

The report, prepared following consultations and in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2427 (2018), covers the period from January to December 2024. It outlines trends in the impact of armed conflict on children and includes a list of parties involved in violations such as recruitment and use, killing and maiming, sexual violence, abductions, and attacks on schools and hospitals.

The UN verified 41,370 grave violations, including 36,221 that occurred in 2024 and 5,149 from previous years that were verified during the reporting period. At least 22,495 children were affected.

Among the most widespread violations were the killing and maiming of children, with 4,676 children killed and 7,291 injured. Other grave violations included 7,906 incidents of denied humanitarian access, 7,402 cases of child recruitment and use, and 4,573 abductions.

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The report also noted that 3,018 children were detained in 2024, often for alleged or actual ties to armed groups — including those sanctioned by the UN Security Council — or on national security grounds, raising serious concerns about violations of their rights.

The highest numbers of violations were recorded in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (8,554), followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (4,043), Somalia (2,568), Nigeria (2,436), and Haiti (2,269). The largest percentage increases occurred in Lebanon (545%), Mozambique (525%), Haiti (490%), Ethiopia (235%), and Ukraine (105%).

Sexual violence against children rose by 35%, including a sharp increase in cases of gang rape. The report described sexual violence as being used deliberately as a tactic of war — to terrorize populations, assert control over territory, displace communities, or target children based on ethnicity or gender.

The denial of humanitarian access also reached unprecedented levels in 2024. The report said more humanitarian workers, including UN staff, were killed last year than ever before. Aid convoys and personnel were attacked, humanitarian workers were arbitrarily detained, and numerous bureaucratic and administrative barriers were imposed, severely disrupting operations.

These actions left countless children without access to healthcare, education, protection services, or life-saving humanitarian aid, the report said.

The report has urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, and to respect the rights and special protections granted to children.