Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, said the study also charts a way forward to further strengthen protection, and galvanize support at the international, national and local levels. In addition to recruitment, children are killed and maimed by explosive remnants of war and active shooting incidents, abducted on the way to school, or raped while fetching wood and water. War can impact young lives in numerous ways. In conjunction with the anniversary, the UN Office on Children and Armed Conflict has issued a report that takes stock of challenges, gaps, successes and opportunities since its establishment.

And we need to honour their bravery and resilience by giving them a full and active voice in their countries’ futures,” he said. We need to place the needs and rights of children first in peace negotiations. “We need to strengthen our support of released children so they can reintegrate into their communities. The Secretary-General urged countries to continue supporting the UN Office on Children and Armed Conflict, and keep the promise made more than two decades ago. Cycles of violence and despair won’t stop automatically.”

Guterres said in a video message for the online commemoration. Besides the thousands of children freed by armed groups and forces during this time, hundreds of life-saving commitments and action plans have been signed and implemented by warring parties.

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