Statement by: Mr David Hamer, Adviser, Australian Mission to the UN

As delivered

Australia is strongly committed to advancing human rights globally, including children’s human rights.

2024 has been fraught with new and protracted crises. Close to half a billion children are now living in conflict zones around the world, exposing them to severe human rights violations.

Australia is deeply concerned by the continued, widespread violations of children’s rights in armed conflict, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, conflict-related sexual violence, and recruitment and abduction into armed groups as child soldiers. Perpetrators of such egregious violations must be held to account.

We are also concerned by the Special Representative’s [of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict] reports that denial of humanitarian access has increased, including to children who have been devastated by conflict. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured in all conflict areas.

Increasing conflicts around the world are also having a devastating impact on children’s mental health and wellbeing, causing lifelong trauma, increased risk of suicide and vulnerability to radicalisation to violent extremism and other harms

Australia recognises that education has the power to transform children’s lives, drive economic development and build strong, inclusive societies. Sadly, too many children across the globe are still being left behind. Girls and children with disabilities face disproportionate barriers to education and, in some instances, denial of access to education entirely.

Australia advocates for the rights of girls, at every opportunity. In September, Australia joined Germany, Canada and the Netherlands to take unprecedented action to hold Afghanistan to account under international law for the Taliban's treatment of women and girls.

Girls without basic education are more likely to experience early pregnancies and are at increased risk of child, early and forced marriage. It is vital that girls and boys are educated on their sexual and reproductive health rights, and have access to reproductive health services.

Australia recognises that children and young people have rights protecting their ability to grow up safe, connected and supported in their family and community. Families in all their forms are critical in helping children to realise their full potential. Supporting families is an important element in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as providing social protection. Sadly, families and households can also be a source of human rights abuses, as well as child labour. States have a responsibility to ensure every child grows up in an environment that is free from violence and abuse.

We note with concern the Special Rapporteur’s [sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children] report on the risks to children in a rapidly changing digital environment. Tackling the new and emerging risks of child sexual exploitation and abuse facilitated by new technologies is a key focus for Australia. As more children globally use digital technologies to learn and connect, and as we seek to bridge digital divides, it is vital that their human rights are protected online.

Through our online safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, we are committed to ensuring all Australians, but particularly children, are kept safe from all forms of violence in the digital environment. Our Online Safety Act is currently under review to ensure our laws continue to effectively protect all our citizens, including children, from online threats and harms, and to respond to new and emerging harms and technologies.

Ensuring the respect, protection and fulfillment of universal human rights fosters an environment where children can thrive. It is essential that we both listen and respond to the voices and views of children and young people, as well as the views of those who care for them.