Statement by Holy See at UN on children and armed conflict

Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash

Source: Permanent Observer Mission of Holy See to UN

On 26 June 2025, the Holy See issued a statement during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict. The statement was delivered by Mgr Marco Formica, Chargé d'Affaires, of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.

Expressing deep concern of the resurgence of armed conflict and the increasing acceptance of force as a means of resolving disputes, the Holy See stressed that the protection of innocent lives should be placed above all political, military, or strategic considerations. The recruitment, maiming, abduction, and various forms of violence against children constitute a profound violation of the dignity with which God endowed them.

In particular, the Holy See noted the dire conditions endured by children in densely populated areas affected by armed conflict, where the use of explosive weapons causes indiscriminate and disproportionate harm. In this regard, the Holy See insisted on unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance, the end of the use, production, and stockpiling of indiscriminate weapons, and the effective use by the Council of all mechanisms to advance the agenda on children and armed conflict.

The Holy See concluded with brief remarks condemning the terrorist attack at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus on 22 June 2025.

The full text of the statements follows.

Madam President,

The Holy See is deeply concerned by the resurgence of armed conflict and the increasing acceptance of force as a means of resolving disputes. These grave developments continue to take the heaviest toll on the most fragile members of society, especially children, whose lives are all too often scarred by the brutality of war and whose dignity and futures are violated and jeopardized. The twentieth anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1612 provides an opportunity for reflection and a renewed action. It is imperative to recognize that the protection of innocent lives is to be placed above all political, military, or strategic considerations. Furthermore, there an urgency to recommit to the path of dialogue, diplomacy, and peace.

Madam President,

The recent report of the Secretary-General reveals grave concern over a 25 percent rise[1] in serious violations against children caught in armed conflict over the past year. Too many children continue to suffer recruitment, maiming, abduction, and various forms of violence, with many tragically losing their lives. Such actions constitute a profound violation of the dignity with which they were endowed by God[2], and an unquestionable infringement of their fundamental right to life.

In this regard, my Delegation expresses deep concern over the dire conditions endured by children in densely populated areas affected by armed conflict, where the use of explosive weapons causes indiscriminate and disproportionate harm. It is particularly alarming that locations which ought to remain inviolable safe havens, such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship, are increasingly subjected to attack. Instead of fostering education, healing and spiritual consolation, these spaces are being transformed into sites of devastation and fear. Beyond the immediate physical toll, explosive remnants of war, including landmines, pose long-term threats and inflict deep psychological and emotional trauma.

Madam President,

In light of the urgent need to safeguard the lives and dignity of children affected by armed conflict, my Delegation would like to share the following considerations.

First, access to humanitarian assistance must never be impeded. The Holy See strongly condemns any actions that obstruct the delivery of vital supplies, such as food, water and medicine, to those in need. Such impediments constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and also severely compromise the integral human development of children.

Second, putting an end to the use, production and stockpiling of indiscriminate weapons, particularly in populated areas, is a vital step towards limiting the harm inflicted on children. In this regard, the Holy See renews its call for all Member States that have not yet done so to accede to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, and to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and endorse the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. Now is the time for a renewed commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, not for withdrawal from existing obligations.

Thirdly, my Delegation encourages the Council to make effective use of all available mechanisms to advance the implementation of the agenda on children and armed conflict, including the work of its dedicated Working Group. Protecting of children affected by armed conflict must remain a core priority for the United Nations and must be reflected in the ongoing review of the Peacebuilding Commission architecture.

Madam President,

The Holy See cannot remain silent in the face of the terrorist attack that took place at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus on 22 June 2025, and expresses its profound concern and unequivocal condemnation of the attack. The Holy See calls on this Council, to address the persecution of Christians and take action against Christianophobia.

Thank you, Madam President.

[1] Cf. Protection of civilians in armed conflict: report of the Secretary-General, S/2025/247.
[2] Cf. Pope Francis, Encyclical letter Fratelli tutti, n. 241.