According to the website of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations on the 27th, Fu Cong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke at a public meeting on children and armed conflict in the Security Council. He emphasized that children are the future and hope of the world, and it is an unshirkable responsibility of all parties to protect children.
Here is the full text of Fu Cong's speech:
Chairman
I welcome His Excellency Mr. Yerapetrious, the Greek Foreign Minister, to preside over this meeting. I would like to thank Special Representative Fraser, Executive Director Russell, Ambassador Janette, and Director Ellis for their presentations.
Thirty years ago, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution recommending the Secretary-General appoint a special representative for children and armed conflict. Over the past thirty years, the scope of "children and armed conflicts" has broadened continuously, and the UN child protection mechanisms have become increasingly robust. However, harm to children in conflict remains severe. The Secretary-General's annual report on children's issues revealed that in 2025, a record number of children affected by conflict were recorded. Children are the future and hope of the world, and protecting children is the responsibility of all parties. I will discuss four points:
First, end conflicts to promote peace and protect the safety of children. The most direct and effective way to protect children is to quickly end conflicts and violence. China urges all parties involved in conflicts to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, cease hostilities, strictly comply with international law and humanitarian law obligations, and avoid attacking civilians, schools, and other civilian and civilian facilities. All parties should adopt a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable approach to security. Disputes should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, and political solutions should be promoted for hot issues. It is necessary to increase humanitarian support, improve access conditions in conflict areas, and ensure that children receive timely necessary assistance and psychological support.
Secondly, it is necessary to establish effective mechanisms and strengthen accountability. Children in the occupied Palestinian territories and Haiti are on the front lines of conflict and violence, enduring severe harm and threats over a long period. Generations have lost their beautiful childhoods. China supports the Security Council in using necessary tools to hold those who commit acts of cruel treatment against children accountable. We support Special Representative Fraser in fulfilling his duties, call for increased monitoring and reporting by the United Nations, support the Security Council Working Group on Children in reviewing reports from relevant countries in a timely manner, and urge all parties to take effective actions to stop atrocities against children.
Thirdly, develop empowerment to improve the welfare of children. Development is a fundamental solution to addressing the root causes of conflict. It is necessary to support the governments of affected countries in meeting basic human needs such as food, education, healthcare, and employment, and to improve the environment for children’s growth and development, so that they can escape the shadow of war and the cycle of violence. We must harness the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in a careful and responsible manner. By prioritizing people-oriented and positive approaches, we can ensure that children have access to education during conflicts. Additionally, we should work towards bridging the digital divide, so that more countries in the global South can benefit from these efforts.
Fourth, we should support each other and increase investment in Africa. The Chinese side welcomes Ambassador Janee as the first Special Envoy for Children and Armed Conflict to the African Union. We support close cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union to help conflict-stricken countries strengthen their capacity for child protection. In recent years, through the China-UN Peace and Development Fund, we have supported the Office of the Special Envoy for Children in implementing projects for child protection in Africa. The latest project focuses on regional cooperation and covers 11 countries in Central Africa, receiving widespread support and recognition. We will continue to provide assistance to developing countries, including those in Africa, within our capabilities. The Chinese side is willing to work hand in hand with the international community to eliminate violence caused by guns, strengthen assistance and support, and ensure that children around the world can grow up healthy and stable in a peaceful environment, creating a better future.
Thank you, Chairman.
