13th March 2024

Joint statement of A Group of States from the Group of Friends on CAAC

President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of 28 States of the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict co-chaired by Belgium and Uruguay, reaffirming our unwavering support to the CAAC mandate.

The denial of humanitarian access to children is one of the six grave violations against children in armed conflict. As underlined by Mrs Gamba in her report, cases of denial of humanitarian access are being verified at alarmingly high levels. We welcome the SRSG's decision to start developing a guidance note to address this issue.

In Myanmar, 6 million children are in dire need of assistance while humanitarian access worsens due to administrative and physical restrictions, as well as violence against humanitarian workers. In Sudan, 13.6 million children require urgent humanitarian support. In Gaza, largely insufficient humanitarian access puts all 1.1 million children there at risk of disease, malnutrition and even starvation, a situation exacerbated by the destruction of essential services.

In addition to the various detrimental effects of armed conflict on children, the denial of humanitarian access has long-term consequences on the growth and development of children, aggravating their already harsh situation.

All parties involved in conflicts must take meaningful actions to end and prevent grave violations against children and fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. At all times they should ensure access for humanitarian aid to children. This will not only protect children but also contribute to the restoration of a sustainable peace.

Thank you, President