Pakistan Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Children Amid Escalating Global Conflicts

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan urged the international community on Wednesday to end impunity for perpetrators of grave violations against children in armed conflict, highlighting the worsening humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian Territory and warning that expanding wars and emerging military technologies are exposing children to unprecedented risks.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council open debate on Children and Armed Conflict, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, emphasized that protecting children requires stronger international oversight, accountability for perpetrators, and renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts.

“The plight of children in situations of foreign occupation continues to worsen,” Jadoon said. “It is appalling that more than 12,000 incidents of grave violations occurred in a single year against children in the occupied Palestinian Territory.”

These remarks come amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has drawn repeated international attention and UN warnings about the toll on children, schools, and hospitals.

“As the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict, children bear its deepest and most enduring scars,” he added. “The rapid surge in armed conflicts worldwide has exposed them to a host of grave violations, ranging from killing and maiming, attacks on schools and hospitals, to denial of humanitarian access.”

The issue arose following a missile strike on a girls’ school in Iran’s Minab in February that killed more than 150 children and teachers. The attack, which occurred during the opening phase of the US‑Israeli military campaign against Iran, intensified debate over targeting practices, accountability, and the increasing integration of AI into modern warfare.

Referring to the UN Secretary‑General’s latest report, the Pakistani diplomat said more than 38,000 violations against children were recorded worldwide in 2025, the highest annual figure since the monitoring mechanism was established 30 years ago.

He called for greater protection of schools and hospitals, strict compliance with international humanitarian law, and stronger measures to hold perpetrators accountable.

“Pakistan underscores the need for concrete measures to safeguard children, including vigilant oversight, ending impunity for violators, protecting schools from attacks and military use, and reinforcing safe education systems in conflict zones,” he said.

Jadoon added that sustained investment in rehabilitation, reintegration, and psychosocial support for children affected by conflict is essential to prevent further cycles of violence.

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