Third Committee, 8th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Good afternoon, dear colleagues. The eighth meeting of the Third Committee of the General Assembly at its 81st session is called to order. I now invite the Committee to continue its consideration of agenda item 25, entitled Advancement of Women. I now invite the Committee to continue its general discussion of agenda item 25. I wish to remind delegations to strictly adhere to the time limits of four minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of a group of states and three minutes for interventions by individual delegations. The microphones will blink 30 seconds before the expiration of the time limit, and the microphone will be automatically switched off when the time is up. I also wish to remind delegations that the list of speakers for this item will close at the end of the meeting or when the list is exhausted, whichever is sooner. I encourage delegations to actively monitor the live list to ensure that they are ready to speak at their allotted time slot. Should the general discussion conclude after exhausting the list of speakers who are ready in the room, the discussion will be closed and there will be no opportunity to deliver the general statement under the item for this session. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honour to deliver the statement on behalf of the member states of ASEAN. A full statement will be available through the e-journal. As ASEAN moves forward with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the post-2025 strategic plans, we remain fully committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment and rights of all women and girls. While we have made important progress, women and girls remain underrepresented in decision-making process, continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid care work, and face greater risk from violence, conflict, climate change, and disasters. ASEAN staff for strengthening our collective efforts on the following issues. On women, peace and security, ASEAN remains committed to implementing the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action as a regional priority. We are also strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement, including through the ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Community of Practice. The ASEAN Conference on Women, Peace and Security currently being held in the Philippines is helping sustain the momentum. On women's leadership, the Philippines as ASEAN Chair hosted the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders Summit last week under the theme "Women's Leadership for Inclusive Prosperity in ASEAN Region". The summit provided a platform to advance women's leadership and strengthen regional partnerships. On economic empowerment, women lead over 60% of all small businesses in ASEAN. We need gender-responsive policies, better access to finance, greater support for women entrepreneurs, and, of course, a reduced burden of unpaid care work. Building on the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy, we will hold the ASEAN Conference on Investing in Care later on this month. With the rise of technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, ASEAN will continue to strengthen our regional frameworks, including on eliminating violence against women and children, and protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. We have also developed the ASEAN guidance note on disability inclusion in violence against women and girls policies and programmes. This is to ensure that no one is left behind. Madam Chair, looking ahead, we look forward to developing the ASEAN Declaration on the Gender Transformative Implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 to promote a more inclusive approach to gender equality. ASEAN will continue to work closely with the UN, stakeholders, and partners to build an inclusive ASEAN where all women and girls can realize their fullest potential. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the Permanent Representative of Thailand. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Guyana.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Guyana aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of G77 and China and CARICOM. At a moment when the international community is working to strengthen trust in global institutions, including in the UN, and demonstrate tangible impacts on the ground, it is critical for advancements to be made on achieving gender equality. This is evident when women's rights are protected, when their leadership is visible, and when their voices shape the decisions that affect their lives. Yet, while progress is evident on many fronts, too many women and across the world continue to face persistent challenges due to inequalities, gender-based violence, economic exclusion, discriminatory laws, and new forms of digital harm. These challenges demand decisive, inclusive, and sustained action at both international and national levels. Madam Chair, in Guyana, women are an integral part of our national development across all sectors, with several programs aimed at their educational, economic, and social empowerment. The government recognizes that promoting women's economic growth will mitigate the conditions of poverty and improves family situations. Guyana has eliminated gender disparity in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. there's improved access to health services and social protection. In addition, thousands of women have been trained in ICT, business development and non-traditional skills, strengthening economic independence. Ghana is developing a national care policy to transform the care economy, reduce unpaid care burdens and create decent work opportunities for women. Through the LCDS 2030, Indigenous women benefit from community development grants that support livelihoods, land rights awareness and climate resilience. There are ongoing constitutional and legislative reviews to align national laws with CEDAW and other international obligations. Particular focus is being given to addressing sexual and gender-based violence and ensuring a survivor-centered approach and strengthening accountability. This is a snapshot of Guyana's efforts in advancing women's rights and well-being. Ultimately, while these meetings facilitate stocktaking, achieving gender equality requires efforts within each of our countries supported by the international community. In conclusion, Chair, Guyana emphasizes that accelerated implementation of the Beijing Declaration, CEDAW, and related international human rights instruments requires increased financing for gender equality, stronger support for national capacities, and sustained attention to the needs of women and girls.

I thank the distinguished representative of Guyana. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Madam Vice Chair, upholding the dignity and worth of the human person and the equal rights of women and men are foundations of resilient societies. Legal and policy frameworks, in particular the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, have strengthened institutional mechanisms for promoting and protecting women's rights. Advancing women's rights is also a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals and is essential to achieving all 17 goals. Madam Vice Chair, Azerbaijan attaches great importance to promoting and protecting women's rights in line with international standards, including through advancing women's empowerment and ensuring their equal participation in economic, social, cultural, civil, and political life. The National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026-2028 outlines the policy framework with specific objectives and measures to advance gender equality. Recognizing women's economic empowerment as a direct pathway towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth, Azerbaijan continues to take consistent measures in this area. As a result, women accounted for 48.4% of the workforce and 48% of the employed population at the beginning of 2025. Madam Vice Chair. In the post-conflict period since 2020, Azerbaijan has been undertaking large-scale rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts to enable hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced persons, including women, to exercise their right to a safe and dignified return to their places of origin. However, the challenges remain. The fate and whereabouts of 288 women who went missing in connection with the conflict remain a pressing humanitarian concern for Azerbaijan. Search operations have led to the discovery of 32 mass graves and the recovery of the remains of 908 individuals. Through forensic genetic identification, the remains of 267 persons have been identified, returned to their families, and led to rest, including those 15 women and two children. To conclude, Azerbaijan highlights the importance of regional and international cooperation alongside national efforts to advance gender equality. The effective implementation of international legal and policy frameworks on women's rights, together with constructive dialogue, remains essential to strengthening our collective efforts to achieve equality in law and practice, as well as SDG Goal 5 on gender equality. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Over 30 years after adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and nearly half a century after the adoption of CEDAW, we have a clear understanding of what drives progress towards gender equality. Yet, around the world, we are witnessing efforts to roll back rights that many once assumed were secure. In some places, women and girls continue to be denied opportunities that many of us take for granted. These include access to education, employment, public life, and the ability to make informed decisions about their own health and futures. Elsewhere, women human rights defenders, journalists, peacebuilders, and political leaders face increasing intimidation for exercising rights that should never be questioned. These developments should alarm all of us. They not only mark the erosion of individual rights, but are a warning sign of broader challenges facing societies. When women and girls are excluded, democracy is eroded, institutions are less representative, economies are less productive, and communities are less resilient in the face of uncertainty and crisis. For women facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, exclusion is often deeper and its consequences more far-reaching.

One of the most persistent obstacles to gender violence remains, to gender equality remains gender-based violence. This is particularly serious in conflict situations. and when this is used as a weapon of war. And this is something that has only increased. It is estimated that gender-based violence has increased significantly over recent years, and this limits women's participation in public life. This violence and discrimination can also be seen increasingly in the digital domain. That is why it remains essential to ensure equal access for women to technologies to foster gender equality. Madam Chair, the progression of the advancement of women remains an indicator of our society's resilience. Canada remains committed to effective policy in this domain, to work with our partners to enhance the rights of women and girls to achieve genuine, meaningful gender equality in all areas of life. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation affirms Algeria's commitment to continue promoting the rights and empowerment of women and ensuring their full and effective participation in all spheres of life. We see this as an essential. element to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. Algeria's 2020 Constitution established the principle of equality between women and men in rights and duties and enshrined the protection of women against violence. It also provides for promoting parity in the labor market and encouraging women's participation in political life and their access to positions of responsibility. This framework is reinforced by a body of legislation that guarantees equality in employment, education, vocational training, social protection, as well as the right to equal pay for equal work. Education is one of the main drivers of women's empowerment in Algeria. Thanks to the policy of free education and training and equal opportunities, women accounted for 79% of graduates of higher schools in 2024 and for more than 65% of university graduates. This progress is reflected in women's presence in economic and professional life. Women make up 46.13% of public sector employees. They have also benefited from 63% of all state-funded micro and medium-sized economic enterprises. Algeria pays particular attention to rural women and stay-at-home women through programs for economic inclusion, entrepreneurship support, and microfinance. We have also extended maternity leave, and we continue strengthen women's participation in political life and decision-making positions. This process culminated in 2026 in the election of the first woman to head the People's National Assembly. Madam Chair, we continue to stress that the advancement of women needs to be done in the context of peace and security. Here, we recall the suffering of women and girls in conflict zones, in particular, Palestinian women. We renew our call for their protection and for an end to the violations committed against them. Algeria affirms its determination to continue its effort to empower women and strengthen their full and effective participation in economic, political, and social life, thereby contributing to more just and equitable societies and to sustainable development, I think.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Madam Chair, Ukraine remains committed to gender equality as a cross-cutting principle of its recovery and as an integral part of its path to the European Union. We continue to align our legislation with the EU, a key on equal treatment and non-discrimination, and gender-responsive budgeting is now part of our budget code. In Ukraine, women are by choice increasingly shaping defense and security sector. Today, more than 75,000 women serve in armed forces. This summer, a civil society survey heard from 13,000 women. Actually, four of five of them were from civilian professions. We believe that women must take part in every decision on security. This year, Ukraine adopted its new national action plan on women, peace and security until 2030, and every region has approved its own local plan. We implemented together with civil society. Our interagency now on conflict related sexual violence brings together more than 126 organizations and institutions. Russia's war, however, continues to expose Ukrainian women and girls to horrific violations. The latest OHCHR report documented 1,004 cases of conflict-related sexual violence. In occupied Ukrainian territory, women and girls outside detention have been subjected to rape, including gang rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, forced nudity, and threats of sexual violence. Ukraine has responded with a survivor-centered approach. Our legislation provides recognition, protection, and urgent interim reparations to survivors, and this year we'll launch the mechanism to deliver them in line with our framework of cooperation with the United Nations. Madam Chair, as a Ukrainian youth delegate, I want to stress the importance of investing in adolescent girls and young women in their education, their safety online and offline, and their participation in public life. Young women are already volunteers, medics, teachers, and founders. One of them was Irina Tsybukh, a journalist who became a combat medic, and she was killed in 2024, right before her 26th birthday, and she was my generation. Ukraine will continue to work with all Member States so that every woman and girl is free to choose her own future. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The advancement of women and girls is a national priority for Namibia, which is grounded in their indispensable contribution to our society. Our pursuit of women's equality began before independence and has since been reinforced by dedicated institutions, including today's Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare. Drawing on regional and international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Beijing platform for action, Namibia has adopted laws and policies to promote equality and empower women and girls. We have made notable progress in education, health, economic opportunity, and political participation. The inauguration of the of her excellence in the Tumbo Nandin Daitwa as the first female president of the republic on 21 March 2025 marked a historic milestone in this journey. Madam Chair, In the Pact for the Future, Member States pledged that science, technology, and innovation would improve the lives and equality of women and girls. Yet, the Secretary-General's August 2026 report shows that digital technologies are also enabling and accelerating the exploitation and trafficking of women and girls across borders. Namibia, therefore, calls for stronger international cooperation to combat technology-facilitated trafficking and ensure that innovation protects women and girls, rather than harming them. Lastly, Madam Chair, Namibia is deeply concerned about armed conflicts worldwide, which continue to disproportionately affect women and children. Therefore, Namibia reiterates its call for the full implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda established under Security Council Resolution 1325. The meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, mediation, peacemaking, and peacebuilding is essential to achieving peaceful and lasting solution. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. I now give the floor to a distinguished representative of Qatar.

Madam Chair, women's empowerment is a top priority for the state of Qatar. stemming from my country's firm belief in the importance of promoting women's human rights and their pivotal role in sustainable development as a partner, as a contributor, and as a beneficiary. The promotion of the role of women in the various spheres of life is a fundamental pillar in our Qatar National Vision 2030, which attaches great importance to empowering women and enhancing their capacities. The third national development strategy of the state of Qatar 2024-2030 focuses on increasing awareness and recognizing women's participation in all sectors of society. Chair, as a result of our policies on the advancement and empowerment of women, and through their substantial contributions, Qatari women continue to play an active role as an essential partner in the country's development, achieving tangible accomplishments across diverse fields. The impact of these policies and efforts has been reflected in measurable progress. The rate of women's participation in the labor market rose to more than 63% in 2025. Women also constitute the majority of university graduates, accounting for 70% of graduates in scientific and technical disciplines. This progress was also accompanied by women's growing presence in decision making and participation in the judiciary and the legal sectors. Women representation in the judiciary in Qatar has reached 13%, and women's participation in judicial administrations also is at 46%, with 51% in leadership positions within judiciary positions. Chair, the efforts of the State of Qatar to advance and empower women was not only limited to the national level. My country is committed to launching initiatives and projects in this regard. We note a pioneering initiative led by the State of Qatar, resulting in the General Assembly adopting Resolution 65/274, which proclaimed March 10th the International Day of Women Judges. In keeping with this approach and as part of our firm commitment to women's empowerment and capacity building, the state of Qatar places great importance on supporting UN Women. Our multi-year support to UN Women's core resources during 2023-2026 totaled $2 million. In conclusion, we remain committed to mobilizing all our capacities to continue to strengthen the role of women, empower them. Microphone cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Qatar. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. In my country, we believe that women's rights are human rights and that equality must be a tangible reality in the lives of women and girls. We cannot talk about the genuine empowerment of women if women are not able to control their income, financing, or effective opportunities for decent work. Health is a fundamental right. Women and girls must have the ability to access quality health services, including sexual and reproductive health and rights without discrimination. Chair, violence against women and girls is one of the most significant obstacles hindering equality. Violence or rather, every time a woman is abused or killed because she's a woman, she's not paying the price alone as a victim. The rights of all women are being attacked and questioned. And every time a woman has to change her way because she's afraid or she has to lower her voice or to leave a position that she was entitled to freely, violence in this case would have gone beyond the actual victim and limited the freedom before all women. No woman should have to choose between her freedom and her safety. Among the aspects of the violence, there are crimes against women because of their gender. These crimes do not come from a void. They are often Before them, there would be abuse, there would be intimidation or threats that were not addressed at the right time. My country believes that preventing this type of violence starts within the family before these conducts become culture within the society. And on the parents rest a clear responsibility in the upbringing of their children. They must be taught how to respect girls, how to respect their dignity, how to respect their choices and their boundaries. The principle of equality must be taught since the young age as a constitutional right that is steadfast, that cannot be negotiated, and that must be respected at all times. So addressing violence requires protection, accountability, prevention, education, and economic autonomy or independence, Madam Chair. Advancing women will not be achieved by asking women to adapt to unequal systems. Advancement will happen when these systems change, when women are guaranteed freedom, equality, dignity, and the ability to take their decisions away from fear, exclusion, or violence. This is the advancement that we should all work to achieve. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Iraq attaches particular importance to women's rights, in line with the principles enshrined in Iraq's constitution, to wit, equality before the law, no discrimination based on gender, the rights of women to participate in public life and to enjoy political rights. Given the economic, social and cultural challenges that the world is experiencing, our national efforts focus on increasing opportunities for Iraqi women and their participation in decision-making and to be protected in society by ensuring all of their rights are fulfilled. These efforts are based on the national strategy that we have, 2023-2030, which is a national framework that aims to promote women's rights in political, economic and societal life. In 2026, we adopted several national initiatives, particularly the guidebook for women's integration into public life, which aims to bear in mind women's rights and challenges that remain. We also have various economic opportunities that women can avail themselves of and measures to combat gender-based violence. and also in order to pinpoint areas where they can get jobs. We also submitted our second national report under the context of the Madrid Action Plan on Aging. We adopted a plan in that regard, and this is borne out in our national policies. We have a guide for persons with disabilities to increase their participation in the labor market, and to ensure equal modalities for them in society. Internationally, we work with UN specialized agencies and international organizations. This year, the Iraqi Commission for Women, with the support of UN Women and UNFPA, organized a forum to support women and children. and families dealing with the post-conflict situation. And we're doing this by working with other relevant agencies and organizations. We remain willing to continue adopting initiatives and to rolling out programs to enhance women's rights and roles in society.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan.

Five years after the Taliban's military takeover, Afghan women and girls face an institutionalized system of discrimination, segregation, and exclusion. Their rights to education, employment, freedom of movement, and participation in public life are being systematically denied. These restrictions are deliberate policies that must be reversed. Neither religion nor culture can justify them. The consequences extend across generations. UN Women reports that nearly eight in 10 young Afghan women are outside education, employment, and training. UNICEF warns that if restrictions persist, Afghanistan risks losing up to 20,000 women teachers and 5,400 female health workers by 2030. Denying girls an education today deprives entire communities of teachers, doctors, and midwives tomorrow. The Taliban are also entrenching discrimination through their decrees. UN experts have warned that decree on separation of spouses further exposes girls to child marriage and makes it exceedingly difficult for women to escape abusive relationships. The dismantling of protection mechanisms leaves survivors with diminishing access to safety and justice. Afghan women continue to persist, organize, support their communities and demand their rights. Their courage must be met with concrete international action. First, we call for the immediate reversal of discriminatory edicts and the restoration of women's and girls' access to education at all levels, including medical training, employment, and public life. Restrictions on Afghan women working for the United Nations and humanitarian organizations must end. Second, women-led organizations need predictable, direct, and flexible funding. Survivors of violence, trafficking, and exploitation need accessible health care, psychological support, protection, and justice. Third, accountability must remain central. We urge support for independent investigations, the International Criminal Court, and efforts to codify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. Systematic persecution must not be rewarded with impunity. International engagement must be principled and tied to measurable, independently verified improvements in women's rights. Afghan women must participate fully, equally, and meaningfully in every process concerning their country, including an Afghan-led political process towards legitimate, inclusive, and representative governance. Afghan women's rights are universal and non-negotiable. Their exclusion must never be accepted as the price of engagement, and their oppression must never be normalized. Afghanistan cannot achieve lasting peace or development while half of its population is denied in its rights and their future.

I thank the distinguished representative of Afghanistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Chair, we marked a milestone last year with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and Thailand's commitment towards achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls is steadfast. However, the 2026 gender snapshot and various reports published for this session remind us that real progress, actual implementation on the ground in gender equality and the protection of women's and girls' rights remains limited. To this end, Thailand wishes to highlight the following three points. First, freedom from violence remains fundamental to women's advancement. In line with our plan of action on women's development, Thailand is committed to eliminating all forms of violence against women, both online and offline. Thailand has amended the criminal code to designate sexual harassment as distinct criminal offenses, covering physical, verbal, and online conduct, introduced court-ordered online takedown remedy, while the cabinet has also approved a domestic violence act to ensure stronger protection for women. Second, women's economic empowerment remains crucial. Thailand has extended statutory maternity leave from 98 to 120 days and introduced 15 days of paid leave for employees to support their spouse. We must also expand women's access to education, health insurance, finance, and social support to ensure that women can contribute fully to the economy. Third, women's full and meaningful participation is essential to building peaceful and inclusive societies. Thailand has established gender equality centers across all 76 provinces to promote equal rights and opportunities at the local level. And in partnership with UN Women, we have also established 11 women's empowerment and learning centers in border region to strengthen women's leadership and participation in their communities. These efforts complement our first national action plan on women, peace and security, launched in December last year. Our aim is to ensure that women have a voice in shaping the decisions that affect their lives. In closing, Thailand stands ready to work with all partners to turn our shared commitment into action. Let us ensure that every woman and girl can live free from violence, realize her potential, and participate fully in shaping our common future. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal.

Madame Chair, Excellencies, distinguished representatives, ladies and gentlemen, promoting the rights of women and girls is a priority for Senegal. It is part of our international commitments, including under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. the Maputo Protocol, and the Beijing Program of Action. These commitments call for responsibility and collective awareness. No society can aim to achieve sustainable development if half of its population continues to face obstacles to the full realization of their rights and their potential. In Senegal, this conviction has led to ambitious reforms, which aim to strengthen the participation of women in political, economic, and social life. The 2010 law on parity in elective bodies is a major step forward in terms of their political representation. Other equally ambitious reforms have helped strengthen their rights, including in the area of nationality. protection against violence, with the criminalisation of rape and paedophilia. We know, however, that equality in law must be translated into real equality in daily life, and that is why Senegal pays particular attention to the economic empowerment of women, to their access to finance, to entrepreneurship, to land rights and to job opportunities. Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, despite this progress, there are considerable challenges in Senegal as elsewhere. Women and girls continue to suffer the effects of poverty, of economic and climate crises, conflicts, forced displacement and gender-based violence. Hard-won gains remain fragile. It is therefore important to strengthen international cooperation to ensure that equal rights and equal opportunities are a reality for all women and girls. In conclusion, Madam Chair, we must also make sure that women are not only thought of as beneficiaries of our policies, but also as fully fledged actors in peace, development and the transformation of our societies. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Papua New Guinea.

Chair, Excellencies, and distinguished delegates, my delegation warmly congratulates you and the Bureau members on your election and assures you of our constructive support. Papua New Guinea remains firmly committed to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, CEDAW, and the 2030 Agenda. Nationally, our Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy 2025 to 2035 provides a comprehensive framework for women's leadership, economic empowerment, education and training, prevention of gender-based violence, and access to services. Increasing women's participation in political and public life remains a national priority. Our reactivation of the National Council of Women is strengthening women's representation and mentorship. Women currently hold only 3 of 118 seats in our national parliament. This year, parliament amended the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates, requiring political parties to endorse at least 10% of women candidates for the 2027 elections. Papua New Guinea also made a historic achievement by appointing an all-women electoral commission to oversee our 2027 general election, with a women electoral commissioner and all 22 provincial electoral officers being women. Chair, advancing women's economic empowerment also means addressing poverty and expanding economic opportunities. Under our National Policy on Social Protection 2023-2030, our first nationally led child nutrition grant supports vulnerable women and children. We are expanding education, vocational skills and training, particularly in rural areas. Women are making encouraging inroads in the garment and textile industry and cyber technology related fields. Financial inclusion programs are also expanding women's access to finance, business training, mentoring, and financial literacy. Chair, violence against women and girls, including intimate partner violence and sorcery accusation related violence, remains a serious challenge for Papua New Guinea. Since 2019, Papua New Guinea has strengthened its response through bipartisan parliamentary oversight, the National GBV Secretariat, community-based services, and stronger police and justice sector attention. This year, we launched the national strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, 2026 to 2035, focusing on prevention, survivor protection, accountability, and access to justice. We are also implementing the national action plan against sorcery accusation-related violence. We recognize that laws and institution alone will not end violence. Lasting change must begin in our homes and communities, working with men and boys, churches, traditional leaders, civil society, and the private sector. As our Prime Minister emphasized, we must restore respect for women and rebuild strong families. Our daughters must be able to look to their brothers and fathers as partners in change. Chair, to conclude, Papua New Guinea appreciates the continued support of the UN and its development partners in empowering our women and girls. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Papua New Guinea. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Central African Republic.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, we support the statement by Namibia on behalf of the African Group, and the Central African Republic would like to make the following statement in our national capacity. The Central African Republic is pleased to take the floor before this august assembly on a matter which is still at the heart of our national undertakings, that is to say promoting and advancing the rights of women and girls and the elimination of all forms of violence against them. Violence against women and girls is not just a violation of human rights, it also constitutes a major obstacle to peace, sustainable development, social cohesion and equality between women and men. The Central African Republic believes that no society can aspire to achieve lasting peace as long as women and girls continue to live in fear, violence, discrimination and exclusion. Madam Chair, thanks to legal reforms and the ratification of the Maputo Protocol in 2025 under the impetus of the President, Professor Faustin Tuadira. Gender equality and greater political representation of women is our goal. Our commitment is based around a comprehensive, integrated approach which aims to eliminate gender-based violence, and simultaneously we are working to transform social norms and to bring services closer to the population and provide care, as well as medical, psychosocial and legal care for the most vulnerable, and to strengthen the justice system to avoid impunity. We are convinced that Our action also includes the economic empowerment of women and their inclusion in decision-making and peacebuilding spaces. Madam Chair, the Central African Republic affirms that the fight against violence against women is a collective and institutional responsibility. In order to achieve genuine change, we call for a strengthening of local and international partnerships and to invest in the long term in prevention and care and to strictly ensure accountability and results. The CAO reaffirms before this Assembly its commitment to leave no woman or girl behind. We want to build a Republic where every woman can live freely without any violence against their rights, to exercise their rights, to participate in decisions relating to their future and to fully contribute to the development of their country. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Central African Republic. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Holy See.

Madam Vice Chair, in his recent encyclical letter, "Munifica Humanitas," Pope Leo XIV noted that we cannot simply state that men and women have equal dignity and rights. It is necessary that this be reflected in concrete decisions. such as laws, access to employment, education, social and political responsibilities, and the way society listens to and values women's contributions. As long as this gap persists, we cannot say that society truly and fully recognizes that women have the same dignity as men. While women and men have equal dignity, equality does not mean sameness. In fact, equity cannot be achieved without recognizing the unique characteristics of each sex. True equality requires creative and mutually enriching collaboration between men and women at all levels. In this perspective, women should have equal opportunities in all spheres of life without being compelled to renounce either their family life or professional aspirations. Capacities should always be valued and never be a reason for discrimination. This is particularly true for women who continue to face daily obstacles in fully pursuing motherhood and their professional lives. Ironically, we are not infrequently faced with the contradictory claims of purportedly family-friendly policies, which simultaneously promote discrimination against motherhood, exalt abortion as a right, and undermine the very foundation of the desire to start a family. Madam Vice Chair, equality for women cannot be achieved as long as violence against women remains widespread. The majority of trafficking victims are women and girls who experience violence, exploitation and objectification, which violates their God-given human dignity. Furthermore, medical and technological advances have enabled new forms of exploitation and abuse, such as surrogacy. The Holy See reiterates its condemnation of transforming gestation into a negotiable service. This violates the dignity both of the child, who is reduced to a product, and of the mother, exploiting her body and the generative process and distorting the original relational calling of the family. Madam Vice Chair, in the face of these challenges, The Holy See hopes that the recognition of equal dignity and rights for men and women will serve as guiding principle for all multilateral commitments and form the foundation of a just and human-centered society. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Holy See. I now give the floor to distinguished representative of United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Three decades after the adoption of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, gender equality remains an unfulfilled promise. Women and girls continue to face violence, discrimination, and equal access to power, resources, and opportunities. For Tanzania, women empowerment is therefore not a periphery objective. It is a fundamental issue of social justice, human rights, and sustainable development. Tanzania continues to embed women's empowerment across national policies, plans, and programs, including through gender-responsive budgeting to ensure that public resources respond to different needs and circumstances of women. Tanzania is also strengthening women's participation in public decision-making. In 2025, women account for 39.3% in parliament, while women judges constitute 3.3%. 33% in high courts, and 20% in court of appeal. Economy must accompany political participation. Tanzania local government authorities continue to allocate 10% of their revenues for soft loans to women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Justice and protection of equality. are fundamental. Through Mama Samia Legal Aid campaign, women are being supported to understand their legal rights and navigate the justice system. More than 417 gender and child desks have been established across police stations nationwide, strengthening channels for reporting violence, protection, and providing access to justice. The same commitment extends to girls. Tanzania is supporting the return to school of young mothers, because motherhood should not close doors to education. We are also encouraging girls to pursue STEM, to widening their pathways into innovation and economy. Chair, under the leadership of a female president, Tanzania remains committed to working closely with other member states, the United Nations, and partners to advance the empowerment of women and girls and achieve meaningful progress in gender equality. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti.

Madam Chair,

My delegation aligns itself with the statements on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and CARICOM. The various reports presented under this agenda item paint a worrying picture. Despite the progress that has been achieved, women and girls continue to face multiple forms of discrimination, violence, exploitation, and trafficking. For Haiti, this question is of particular importance. The multidimensional crisis facing our country is exposing women and girls to heightened vulnerabilities. Sexual violence, forced displacement, economic precarity, and the weakening of protection mechanisms is undermining their security, their dignity, and their full participation in national life. Faced with this reality, Haiti refuses to allow violence against women to be thought of as an inevitable consequence of crisis. The government has thus established two specialized judicial hubs aimed at strengthening the fight against impunity, mass crimes and sexual violence. This demonstrates a fundamental conviction, which is that protecting women requires not only preventing violence, but also guaranteeing access to justice for victims. Our action must also go beyond protection. Economic empowerment and the participation of women are essential for the sustainable reconstruction of Haiti. As the Prime Minister said before this Assembly, Resources mobilized to respond to the crisis must steadily turn into investments that can create jobs and lasting, sustainable opportunities, notably for young people and for women. This same vision must guide political participation. As part of the electoral process, the participation of women is encouraged so that they can fully participate in building the country's democratic future. Madam Chair, The advancement of women cannot be limited to commitments of principle. It requires institutions that are able to protect, a justice system capable of responding, accessible economic opportunities and genuine participation by women in the decisions shaping their future. Haiti therefore calls for strengthened international cooperation to support national efforts, particularly in the area of preventing violence, of justice, of healthcare, economic empowerment and...

I thank the distinguished representative of Haiti I thank the distinguished representative of Haiti. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

My delegation welcomes the opportunity to present the progress achieved by my country in the area of advancement of women. India has adopted a life cycle approach to advancement of women from protecting and educating the girl child through health, nutrition, skill, entrepreneurship, and leadership of women. Access to education is central to this initiative. Community driven measures under Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme have served to significantly improve child sex ratio from 943 to 1020 females per 1000 males and raised the gross enrolment among girls in secondary schools to 83.4 percent. Flexible learning pathways, multidisciplinary options, coupled with scholarships are helping more girls stay in schools, move into higher education and pursue diverse academic and professional interests. Safety and security of women. Stringent laws have been enforced to protect women from domestic violence and harassment at workplace. At the same time, positive measures like equal pay for equal work and maternity benefits have been institutionalized. Over 973 one-stop centers that provide legal help, Psychosocial counseling and shelter have been set up nationwide to support women in distress, having assisted over 1.4 million women till date. A dedicated women helpline along with women help desk in police stations have been supported over 30 million women in India, building safer environments for women. Digital and financing inclusions are a vital facet of India's efforts in women empowerment. Direct benefit transfers leveraging India's digital public infrastructure, have primarily targeted women in Indian households, empowering them financially and making them the change agents in their community. Economic empowerment finds its natural extension in political agency. Today, India has over 1.5 million elected women representatives in local self-governing institutions. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam reserves 33% of seats in the lower house of Parliament and state legislative assemblies for women, reaffirming our commitment to gender balance in parliamentary representation. From space missions to corporate boardroom and fighter combat pilots, women participation is increasing across sectors. Nari Shakti is the foundation of our vision.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Micronesia.

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, as this is Micronesia's first time taking the floor, We extend congratulations on your appointment as the third committee chair. Chair, the advancement of women remains central to Micronesia's effort to achieve sustainable development, promote human rights, and build inclusive and resilient societies. Micronesia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. We recognize that full, equal, and meaningful participation of women is essential to economic progress, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Women in Micronesia make invaluable contributions across every sector of society, including education, healthcare, public service, community development, environmental stewardship, and peace building. Their leadership, resilience, and knowledge continue to strengthen our nation. We wish to emphasize that women's leadership in Micronesia is deeply rooted in our traditions. Women have long served as respected peacemakers and mediators, helping to resolve disputes, maintain harmony, and strengthen community bonds. In several of our states, matrilineal custom continue to shape traditional governance and social structures. Through these traditions, women exercise stewardship over land, one of our most important social, cultural, and economic assets, reflecting the respect, authority, and trust accorded to them within our communities. Despite progress, significant challenges remain. Gender-based violence, unequal access to economic opportunities, barriers to leadership and decision-making, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change continue to affect women and girls around the world, including in my own country. For Micronesia, climate change poses profound challenges that increasingly affect women and girls. We therefore underscore the importance of ensuring that women's voices, perspective, and leadership are fully integrated into climate action, disaster risk reduction, and resilience building effort. We also emphasize the importance of strengthened international cooperation, adequate financing, and sustained investment in education health care, capacity building, and economic empowerment to support national efforts to advance gender equality. As we advance implementation of the 2030 agenda, we must renew our collective commitment to ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind. The advancement of women is not only a matter of human rights and dignity, it is a prerequisite for building peaceful, prosperous, and resilient societies.

I thank the distinguished representative of Micronesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia.

Zambia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of SADC and the African group, respectively, and I wish to make the following statement remarks in my national capacity. Our government reaffirms its commitment to the advancement of women and girls and to the achievement of gender equality. This commitment is anchored in the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Chairperson, we take note of the Secretary-General's report and its call for sustained action to address inequalities affecting women and girls. Zambia continues to strengthen its legal and policy frameworks, while the Grow Zambia agenda promotes jobs, investment, and business opportunities to ensure women benefit equitably from economic transformation. Education remains central to women's and girls' empowerment. The Education Amendment Act enshrines free education in law, complemented by initiatives supporting girls' retention in school. Chairperson, of particular importance to my delegation is the elimination of child, early, and forced marriage. Government has developed the National Strategy on Ending Child Marriage to accelerate national action towards eliminating this harmful practice. At continental level, our Republican President serves as the African Union champion on ending child marriage. At multilateral level, Zambia continues its long-standing partnership with Canada in leading the UN General Assembly resolution on child, early and forced marriage, reaffirming our commitment to collective efforts to end this harmful practice by 2030. Chairperson, my delegation further recognizes Gender equality requires women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in decision-making. The Constitution of Zambia Amendment Act No. 7 of 2025, which provides for increased representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, marks an important step towards greater inclusion. In conclusion, Zambia reaffirms commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls, and calls for strengthened international cooperation, partnerships, and financing to support national efforts towards gender equality. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Zambia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liberia.

Liberia aligns with the statement of the African group and in its national capacity wishes to state a simple conviction. Women must not merely be represented in the rooms where decisions are made. They must have the power to shape the decision themselves. For Liberia, this is a lesson written into our history. A generation ago, Liberian women built Liberia's peace. That experience taught us a truth that remains relevant far beyond our borders. When women are excluded from peace, peace itself is unsustainable. Liberia, therefore, reaffirms its commitment to the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in political, economic, social, and public life. Recently, Liberia launched its third national action plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2026 to 2031, building on our pioneering role as the first post-conflict country to adopt a national action plan under Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2009. We are also advancing political and electoral reforms, strengthening women's leadership, and promoting gender-responsive governance. But we know that representation alone is not enough. A woman in a room is representation. A woman shaping the outcome is participation. A woman with the power to change the outcome is leadership. That is the standard we are continuing to pursue. This is why we are investing not only in laws, but in enforcement. And we are determined to reach those most often left behind: women and girls with disabilities, women in rural communities, young women, and those living in poverty and other circumstances of exclusion. In conclusion, let us move from counting women to counting on women. from inviting women to the table to sharing power at the table, and from speaking about women's empowerment to financing, implementing, and measuring it. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Liberia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Netherlands.

Madam Chair, in 1963, Bob Dylan captured a profound moment of change in the words, "The times, they are changing." Today, six decades later, the world has changed, and we have made hard-won progress in advancing gender equality. Women and girls have claimed greater political, economic, and social rights, often in the face of formidable resistance. But progress is not the same as equality, and equality cannot be taken for granted. Women remain severely underrepresented in political decision-making around the world, including in the Netherlands. Worldwide, women continue to face unequal access to economic opportunities, justice, and leadership. Discriminatory laws and practices, institutional shortcomings, and deeply rooted structural barriers continue to prevent too many women from fully enjoying their rights. And far too many women and girls continue to experience violence. The Netherlands remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan, specifically for women and girls who have been stripped of their fundamental rights. We urge Afghanistan under the Taliban to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Afghans, particularly for women and girls. These gender inequalities and injustices worldwide are not inevitable, far from it. We have all adopted the fundamental international standards, and the relevant UN mandates show us where our implementation falls short. and what we must do to tackle discrimination, reform unequal structures of power, laws, policies that continue to disadvantage women. We as international community must remain resolute, and this also means defending the international framework that protects the rights of women and girls. We must ensure full and effective implementation of CEDAW and support the UN mandates that hold us to our commitments. These mechanisms must have the independence, political support, and adequate resources that they need to fulfill their mandates. At a time when women's rights are increasingly under pressure, weakening the institutions that protect them is not an option. Let us therefore continue to move forward, not only in words, but in action, so that the times continue to change. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Netherlands. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you, Chair. South Africa remains firm in its commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. We believe in a gender mainstreaming approach, ensuring that women have access to opportunities for full, equal, effective, and meaningful participation, leadership, and decision-making in private and public life. South Africa remains concerned about the pushback on gender equality and the regression of women's and girls' rights in some countries. We are concerned that this backlash has not only remained at the level of anti-gender rhetoric, but in many other settings, which has translated into concrete efforts to undermine existing policies. Chair, gender-based violence and femicide remains a major challenge, and South Africa is not an exception in this regard. In response to this scourge, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national disaster in November 2025, directing the state to fast-track efforts to combat this crisis. This includes reprioritised resources and strengthened coordination across the criminal justice system and survivor support services, the operationalisation of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, providing more resources to fight the scourge, and the expansion of shelter services that provide medical, forensic, counselling, and legal services to survivors. For South Africa to combat GBVF, shifting toxic masculinity to positive masculinity, which emphasises empathy, emotional intelligence, and gender equality, is imperative. In conclusion, Madam Chair, as part of international efforts, We urge the UN to intensify support to country teams to help Member States build capacity towards the advancement of women and girls. We look forward to the interactive dialogue with mandate holders on women issues later this week. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Niger.

Madam Chair, Women account for more than half of our population and they constitute an essential part of our economy and society. In spite of persistent challenges linked to inequalities, for instance, in accessing opportunities, women's contribution to our national development remains significant. Under the leadership of His Excellency, the Head of State of our country, we have made significant efforts to promote women's rights and to promote their empowerment and their increased participation in public life and in decision-making bodies in Niger. We need, in particular, to ensure that girls have access to education, to reduce the illiteracy rate and to strengthen access to good healthcare facilities. as well as to prevent violence against girls. We are also continuing to implement our obligations pursuant to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women by adjusting our normative frameworks and by working on a gender dimension in our policies in a cross-cutting way. This notably hinges on the gender policy that was adopted in 2008, which was then revised in 2017, and further adjustments that have been made to our criminal code to criminalize gender-based violence. We also have a national strategy to respond to gender-based violence and to complement the provisions that we already had in different laws. Madam Chair, in addition to this, the government is working to enhance the rights of girls and teenagers by strengthening their access to high-quality education opportunities. We also need to make sure that we work on the school dropout rate, which remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas. In addition to this, we need to make sure that we establish conditions for girls to stay in school. And this is something we have worked on through various degrees that have been promulgated to make sure that girls stay in school even if they get married. This is part of our education acceleration plan 2027-2030. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Niger. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates.

Madam Chair, at the time where we proceed towards implementing the vision of the theme, restoring trust towards the UN for all, we need to guarantee that women and girls are at the heart of effort towards comprehensive, resilient, and sustainable societies. In this regard, we believe that societies and economies cannot prosper unless women and girls are equal partners in the different sectors and at all levels. Hence, the empowerment of women and girls is a main pillar of our national development strategy. Here, I would like to focus on three priorities for the advancement of women and their empowerment and their active participation effectively. First, building resilient Societies towards sustainable development requires participation of women in the setting up of strategies. Women need to have active participation in decision making towards making these strategies, policies inclusive, just and responsive to all those affected by the policies. This The UAE has translated this into tangible steps, including the following initiatives: the National Policy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031 and the UAE Council for Gender Parity. Managing transformation requires empowering women and girls to effectively participate in digital transformation. Technologies, emerging technologies, have much potential to provide wider access and economic opportunities. At the same time, they entail real risks. It is important to address digital transformation in the sense of ambition and responsibility. Through national policies adopted by the UAE in the area of AI, we prove that technologies could contribute to providing information, support, systems and guarantee privacy and accountability. Third, empowerment of women requires acknowledging their role in building peace, resilience, and sustainable development. Here, we continue to promote women, peace, and security. through the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all the areas of building peace, making peace, and peacekeeping. And through our initiative for women, peace, and security, we have supported in partnership with UN Women from the different parts of Asia and Africa and Middle East. We have included training for women in this area. We reiterate our full commitment to working with this committee for the exchange of experience and benefiting from the experiences of others. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates. We have heard the last speaker on my list. The committee has thus concluded its general discussion of agenda item 25. I now invite the committee to begin its consideration of agenda item 66, entitled Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children, and its sub-items A and B. The documentation under agenda item 66 is listed on iGov. I now invite the Committee to begin its general discussion of agenda item 66. I wish to remind delegations to strictly adhere to the time limits of four minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of a group of States, and three minutes for interventions by individual delegations. The microphones will blink 30 seconds before the expiration of the time limit, and the microphones will be automatically switched off when the time is up. I also wish to remind delegations that the list of speakers for this item will close at the end of the meeting or when the list is exhausted, whichever is sooner. I encourage delegations to actively monitor the live list to ensure that they are ready to speak at their allotted time slot. Should the general discussion conclude after exhausting the list of speakers who are already in the room, the discussion will be closed and there will be no opportunity to deliver the general statement under the item for the session. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia on behalf of Arab group, African group, sorry.

Thank you, Madam Chair. With less than four years to 2030, progress towards the world fit for children remains off track. Only 18% of SDG indicators are showing sufficient progress, while declining development assistance is putting hard-won gains at risk. Investment works. Africa shows that sustained resources can deliver results. More than 5 million zero-dose children in Africa have been vaccinated since 2024. 25 African countries have introduced malaria vaccines, reaching over 10 million children a year. And polio outbreaks have been contained across the continent. These achievements show that collective action can deliver, but major gaps remain. Millions of children still face poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. without access to safe drinking water, sanitation, nutrition and adequate housing. Closing these gaps requires renewed international cooperation and decisive action. Debt is central to this effort. When debt servicing diverts resources from classrooms, healthcare, nutrition and social protection, children pay the price. The Group therefore stands ready to work with all partners to advance the Cevila commitment in the Doha political declaration, including debt solutions that free resources for children. Madam Chair, our priorities are therefore clear. Early childhood education, resilient schools, qualified teachers, exclusive education for girls and children with disabilities, and connectivity for every school, including in rural areas. Madam Chair, AI and emerging technologies are reshaping childhood. We must therefore expand access while ensuring that technologies are safe for children by design. Children are regrettably paying the price of conflict. In 2025, they went verified 38,558 grave violations against children, affecting 24,174 children. the highest number of children affected since the CAA mandate began. Madam Chair, the African Group strongly condemns all forms of violence, harassment, abuse, and exploitation against children online and offline, including physical, psychological, and sexual violence, sexual exploitation in the context of travel and tourism, trafficking, bullying, harmful practices, and cyber-related abuses. We welcome resolution 80/309, led by Sierra Leone, designating November 27 as an annual International Day for the Elimination of Child Early and Forced Marriage, and reaffirm the importance of the regular GA resolutions on the rights of the child and on the girl child. Guided by Agenda 2063 and Africa's Agenda for Children 2040, The African group remains committed to every child's right to safety, health, education and opportunity. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. I now give the floor to South Africa on behalf of Southern African Development Community.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honour to deliver the statement on behalf of the member states of the Southern African Development Community. SADC remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of the rights and well-being of all children in light of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as other relevant international, African, and our own regional instruments, such as the SADC Code of Conduct on Child Labour. As per the latest Secretary-General report on the girl child, despite progress, many children, particularly girls, continue to face poverty, violence, discrimination, harmful practices, and unequal access to essential services. Climate-related shocks and inequalities in access to digital technologies are adding to these challenges. This situation is of great concern, particularly in our region. Madam Chair, Our community remains particularly concerned about child, early and forced marriage and its impact on the health, education and future prospects of girls. The CEDAW model law on eradicating child marriage and protecting children already in marriage provides an important framework for member states to strengthen national legislation and policies. CEDAW remains concerned about the particular situation of girls affected by armed conflict. Conflict heightens their exposure to violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, displacement, and disruption of education and other essential services. We therefore underscore the need to strengthen their protection and ensure that their specific needs are addressed in humanitarian response, recovery, and peacebuilding efforts. Madam Chair, the health and well-being of girls also remain a priority. SADAC member states continue to work towards improving access to health care and addressing the vulnerabilities faced by adolescents and young people, including the continuing impact of HIV and AIDS in our region, including through the implementation of the SADAC-UNICEF Memorandum of Understanding 2025-2030. At the same time, digital technologies are creating new opportunities for girls to learn and participate, but also new risks. Closing the digital divide must go hand in hand with protecting children from violence, exploitation, and abuse in the digital environment. Progress requires adequate resources, strong national institutions, reliable data, and sustained partnerships. It also requires listening to girls themselves and ensuring their meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives and futures. Madam Chair, against this background, SADC will once again present the draft resolution entitled The Girl Child for consideration by the Third Committee. The resolution provides an important opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to the full implementation of the rights of the girl child and to address both persistent and emerging challenges that prevent girls from realizing their full potential. SADC looks forward to the constructive engagement with all delegations during the negotiations and Council members' continued support for the adoption of the resolution by consensus. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia on behalf of ASEAN.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. For more than three decades, the world has been guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Real progress has been made, yet challenges are growing more complex. Worldwide, nearly 138 million children remain in child labor, 54 million of them in hazardous work. More than 300 million children are estimated to experience online sexual exploitation and abuse each year. Climate change, displacement, and rapid technological change further compound these risks faced by children. In responding to these evolving challenges, ASEAN has been working as one community. First, protection begins with the family. Recognizing that families are the foundation of societies, ASEAN has advanced the ASEAN Family Development Network. This complements ASEAN's ongoing work to strengthen parenting support, child well-being, and family and community-based care so that children can grow up in safe, nurturing, and supportive environments. Second, inclusive development must be underpinned by equitable access to quality education at all levels, as education is a key driver of social mobility and economic resilience. Through the 2024 ASEAN Declaration on the Prevention of Child Labour and the ASEAN Roadmap for the Prevention of Child Labour, including the elimination of the worst forms of child labour by 2035, ASEAN is strengthening access to education and social protection, law enforcement and responsible business practices to prevent child labour and eliminate its worst forms. ASEAN has also developed the guidelines for addressing child and forced marriage within the context of trafficking in persons. Third, child protection must keep pace with technological change. Digital technologies create important opportunities for children to learn, participate and connect. At the same time, they can expose children to new and evolving forms of exploitation, abuse, harmful content, and other online risks that transcend national borders. ASEAN is therefore strengthening regional cooperation to foster a safe, secure, inclusive, and responsible digital environment. Across these efforts, ASEAN recognises children not only as beneficiaries of protection, but also as participants whose views should be heard. The ASEAN Children's Forum continues to provide an important platform for children across our region to share their experiences and contribute to policies affecting their lives. Madam Chair, every child deserves to grow up safe, healthy, empowered and able to realize their full potential. ASEAN remains committed to working together to make this a reality for every child in our region. Thank you, Madam.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. I now give the floor to a distinguished representative of Lebanon.

Madam Chair, in State of Siege, Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish wrote, If you were not a leaf, be a tree, be a fertile tree.

And if you're not a tree, my darling, be a stone, be a stone full of moisture. Be a stone. If you're not a stone, my darling, be a moon, a moon in the dream of my beloved. This is what a woman told her child at his funeral.

The story of a mother at her son's funeral, a grief that too many Lebanese parents have now been made to endure. Since October 2023, more than 700 children have been killed as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression. Their average age is nine years old. Let us imagine for a moment that one of them survived. Perhaps he is one of the 390,000 children displaced since March. He survives, but his school does not. Or maybe it is still standing, only now it is a shelter, and he becomes one of the 256,000 students whose education has been disrupted. He was injured along the way and must now learn to live with a disability. Or maybe he already had one, and displacement has separated him from medication and rehabilitation. And even if he bears no visible wound, he may still carry one. Maybe he is one of the 770,000 children experiencing heightened psychological distress. This is not the life any child should live, and yet it is his. It is his so long as his mother is not at his funeral. Madam Chair, Our responsibility is not merely to count the violations. Grave violations against children must be prevented, and when they do occur, they must be documented, investigated and met with accountability. We must continue to demand the full protection of children under international humanitarian law and human rights law for the safe and sustained humanitarian access and for the protection of the schools, hospitals and civilian infrastructure on which their lives depend. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Lebanon. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana.

Madam Chair, Ghana aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the African group. A child's safety should never depend on where they live or whether their family can afford support. The best interest of the child must guide our decisions, particularly where conflict, poverty, and discrimination heighten children's vulnerability. For children caught in armed conflict, this demands urgent action. Ghana calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, end the recruitment and use of children, protect schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure, and facilitate safe humanitarian access. Child protection must remain central to peace efforts, supported by accountability and sustained assistance for recovery and reintegration. Ending child sexual exploitation and abuse demands action across borders and sectors. Ghana's National Child Online Protection Framework tackles exploitation and other digital harms, while improvements to trafficking shelters strengthen care for affected children. We urge states, technology companies, and law enforcement agencies to prevent abuse, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure children can access child-friendly justice and recovery services. Families and communities are central to child protection. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection's Ghanaians Against Child Abuse campaign mobilizes communities to prevent abuse. Ghana's Integrated Social Services Initiative coordinates child protection, health and social protection services. The Social Welfare Information Management System strengthens case management and referrals, while the National Care Reform Roadmap promotes family-based care. Madam Chair, preventing child marriage means protecting girls' futures. Ghana's National Strategic Framework to End Child Marriage is reinforced by investments in children's welfare and education, including school feeding and free secondary education. We urge stronger enforcement on minimum wage laws, sustained investments in girls' education, and close engagement with families and community leaders to address the pressures that drive child marriage. Our work must be judged by the protection it delivers. Let us turn commitments into action through investment in adequate resources, effective enforcement, and sustained cooperation. Every child deserves safety, a voice in their future, and the chance to fulfill their potential. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ghana. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Sure. Thailand firmly believes that investing in children is an investment in our shared future. Every child should be protected, supported, and empowered to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. In this connection, Thailand wishes to highlight three key points. First, protection must be provided both online and offline, guided by our National Child Protection Action Plan and building on Thailand's 2025 ban on corporal and psychological punishment in all settings. Thailand continues to strengthen our laws and institutions for child protection. Thailand's amended criminal code, in force since December 2025, also imposes heavier penalties for sexual harassment, including online, against children under 15, regardless of consent. Thailand also launched the Take It Down procedure through online court services, which allow victims of online sexual harassment to request fast-track removal of online content. Second, protection must be provided to every child, regardless of immigration status. All children residing in Thailand can access education. It aligns with our education for all policy. Our recent key milestones include the withdrawal of Thailand's reservation to Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2024, the implementation of alternative to detention, ATD, in immigration detention centers for migrant children, including the community-based care approach based on the best interest of the child. Third, every child must have the opportunity to learn and engage meaningfully. Under Thailand, under the Thailand zero dropout policy, the government continues to identify, support and monitor children and young people aged 3 to 18 to prevent at risk students from leaving the educational system. We have succeeded in reducing the number of out of school students from 1 million to around 600,000 and hope to expand the initiative to the ASEAN region. At the same time, Thai youths are fully supported by the government to engage meaningfully with the policymakers, both in Thailand and here at the United Nations as UNGA delegates. Share. Looking ahead, Thailand remains committed to working closely with the United Nations and all relevant partners in advancing broader efforts to promote and protect the right and well-being of every child, because every child matters. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania.

Madam Chair, thank you. The protection and promotion of the rights of every child remain a fundamental responsibility of our societies, both individually and collectively. Yet millions of children continue to face poverty, violence, discrimination, exploitation, displacement, and barriers to education, health care, and social protection. Romania firmly believes that the best interests of children, in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, must remain a primary international consideration. The collective action of all relevant stakeholders is more essential than ever to prevent suffering and safeguard their rights and well-being. At the national level, our commitment to strengthen child protection and promoting children's rights and well-being is reflected in the national strategy, Protected Children, Safe Romania 2023-2027. It is also reflected in the implementation of innovative and accessible tools, such as the Next Generation 119 system, which facilitates the reporting, identification, and response to cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other forms of violence against children. In our international engagement, we are committed to sharing our experience and expertise with international partners, including the Republic of Moldova, to strengthen child protection systems and support vulnerable children. Our commitment to international cooperation in this field is also reflected by our participation in the Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians and Prisoners of War, held in Toronto last month, as as in hosting in Bucharest last year the Regional Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children. In response to the war in Ukraine, we have worked closely with civil society and international partners to address the needs of Ukrainian children and families seeking refuge in Romania, with a particular focus on protection, access to essential services, and overall well-being. We also continue to provide support for children affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including through the evacuation of pediatric patients in need for urgent medical assistance together with their family members. Madam Chair, the rapid development of digital technologies brings important opportunities to children, but also new risks. We must strengthen their protection from online sexual exploitation and abuse, cyberbullying and other forms of technology facilitated violence, while ensuring that children can benefit safely from the digital environment. One such avenue to protect children online is the recently launched EU Kids Act. Romania remains committed to contributing to international efforts to advance and protect children's rights, including through dialogue and sharing of good practices and cooperation with the relevant UN mechanisms and partners. In this process, we remain guided by the need to listen to children themselves. They are rights holders whose views in accordance with their age and maturity should be heard and given due weight. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Romania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Marti said that we work for children because children are those who know how to love, because children are the hope of the world, and this has always guided Cuba's actions on the rights of the child. We are profoundly committed to the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We have a robust legislative framework work in this area, which has been updated with modern codes for the family and for children, adolescents and youth, which strengthen guarantees and the rights of children and Cuban adolescents. In more than 66 years of revolution, Cuba has achieved results in this area that have been recognized by UNICEF. For decades, health and education indicators for Cuban children have been comparable to those of the most developed countries. 99.9% of births take place in health facilities. We were proud to be the pioneering country that was accredited by the World Health Organization for eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis. During COVID-19, we were the first country to implement a pediatric immunization campaign with our own vaccines. The literacy rate among the youth population is 99.8% and 100% of children with special educational needs receive specialized attention. All of these achievements were no accident. They were the result of Cuba's commitment to children. But today, they are at grave risk in the face of the dangerous escalation of the United States' aggression against Cuba. Cuban children are the direct victims of the economic suffocation and hostility on the part of the United States, which seems to be limitless and which is designed by a small group of US politicians that have turned it into a business. The oil siege and the extreme intensification of the blockade that the United States applies against Cuba is a cruel and indiscriminate collective punishment which is causing deaths in our country, primarily among children. Today, the child mortality rate in Cuba has doubled from 4.0 to 9.9 per 1,000 live births. The life expectancy of children with cancer has fallen from 85% to 65%. The right to education of Cuban children is being affected by reduced school hours. And children and adolescents are disproportionately affected by the consequences that the lack of fuel is causing. Cuba will continue to call for an end to the US escalation and for the rights of children, Cuban children, to live and grow in peace. Thank you very much.

Thank you, distinguished representative of Cuba. May I remind the delegations to please press the microphone button before speaking. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.

Madam Chair, Vietnam aligns itself with the statement of ASEAN. Despite important progress, children around the world continue to face serious challenges from armed conflicts, poverty, climate change, displacement, and widening inequalities. Rapid digital transformation and artificial intelligence bring unprecedented opportunities, but also expose children to new risks of violence, exploitation, abuse, and trust to privacy. Vietnam believes that all actions concerning children must be guided by non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, and respect for children's views. We must protect children from conflict and violence, invest in health, education, and social protection, and ensure a safe, inclusive, and child-friendly digital environment. Madam Chair, The promotion and protection of children's rights remain a national priority for Vietnam. Beginning with the 2025 and 2026 school year, Vietnam introduced nationwide tuition exemptions for public education, benefiting around 23 million children. All children under six are also covered by state-funded health insurance, reflecting our commitment to ensuring universal access to essential education and health services. Vietnam is also working to provide safe and protective environments for children, both offline and online. In 2026, we adopted a new national program on child protection, alongside a dedicated program on protecting and supporting children in the online environment. This commitment is further reflected in Vietnam's early ratification of the UN Convention against Cybercrime. Vietnam will continue working closely with ASEAN, the United Nations, and other partners to ensure that every child can learn, grow, and thrive in peace, safety, and dignity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Vietnam. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Madam Chair. My delegation expresses its gratitude to the United Nations for its efforts in the protection and promotion of child's rights. We believe that the protection of children is a shared responsibility that requires national efforts as well as international cooperation so that every child can live in safety and in dignity. The protection of children is a priority for us in Kuwait with national efforts from the state and the society. We continue to develop our legislative, our judiciary, and our preventive frameworks for the best interest of the child and for children to be protected from violence and abuse. We continue to work on justice of minors, and in 2026, we reformed Law 115 of 2015 to reorganize the related court and the related judiciary fields. Furthermore, a guide on how to deal with children in the judiciary by the prosecutor on November 25 was published in order to unify professional practices, taking into account child's rights during judicial proceedings. Institutionally, the High National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights was established in 2025, headed by the Minister of Health and with representatives from CSOs as well as public institutions. This enhances national efforts in order to protect children and their rights. My country continues the implementation of training and rehabilitation programs in order to build capacities in terms of child's rights. This includes specialized seminars held in cooperation with the the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the UNICEF. We continue to work to protect children on the legislative level. And in 2025, we amended the law on personal status, and we have raised the marriage age to 18. This protects children from early marriage and safeguards their rights to education and to development. To conclude, we remain committed to developing our national legislations to protect child's rights and to enhance cooperation with the United Nations and international organizations in this regard. In order to enact child's rights and to focus on their best interests in our national practices and policies, my country reiterates its full belief that investing in protecting children and in their education and their development is an investment in the future stability and prosperity of our societies. I thank.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Dear colleagues, in his 2026 report following up on the special session of the General Assembly on children, the United Nations Secretary-General recalled that a world worthy of children still remains out of reach. Children's environment has been radically changed since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The digital revolution and the dawn of artificial intelligence are a lever for emancipation. But this promise, however, brings with it also vulnerabilities and new forms of violence that are facilitated by technology. From cyberbullying to exposure to illicit content, as well as incitement to violence, there are many risks. Faced with these threats, it is essential that children have a legal framework of protection that is rooted in the intangible principles of international human rights law. For that reason, France has made protecting children online a priority of its presidency of the G7. In this context, the Evian call for a safer digital space for minors has been endorsed by the leaders of 17 states. To build upon this momentum, France, together with Spain, Kenya and Australia, and with the support of 26 partner states and 10 UN entities, has launched the Coalition for the Rights and Protection of Children in the AI Age. This aims to ensure that we have AI systems that are safe, reliable, and that respect the rights of the child. Governments, organizations, business, and academia are going to accelerate this agenda at the Paris Peace Forum on the 10th and 11th of November. Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, The promotion and protection of the rights of the child are a constant priority for France's foreign policy. Defending the rights of the 2 billion children is tantamount to defending our shared future. It is an effort we continue to make on a daily basis with all of our partners, including in particular UNICEF. Children are among the primary victims of armed conflicts, and France will therefore, in February 2027, organize a ministerial conference to mark the 20th anniversary of the Paris Principles and Commitments. 115 states already support this landmark text, and we invite states that have not yet done so to sign up to it. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.

Madam Chair, ladies and gentlemen, may the peace and blessings of God be upon you. The Sultanate of Oman attaches great importance to the protection of child's rights. We believe that children are the pillar of societies and a key foundation in sustainable development. We work to develop legislations, policies, and programs nationally that would guarantee the protection of children, ensure their dignity and their access to education, health, protection and well-being in line with our international obligations and the Oman Vision 2040. In terms of social protection, my country launched a system of social protection ensuring financial support for Omani children since birth until 18 years of age. This enhances social protection and supports families. Furthermore, the Ministry of Social Development, in cooperation with the UNICEF, in 2025 launched a guide on protecting children. order to align our practices when it comes to protecting children, we trained experts from various fields in order to implement the content of this guide and a way to harmonize practices and address this issue. Furthermore, we have worked on enhancing child protection by organizing temporary shelters for children who are at the risk of abuse and violence. We have provided them with psychosocial and educational support. In 2020, In 2026, a decree was issued to also increase support for orphans and those who are without parents. This ensures appropriate support for them. In education, the Sultanate of Oman developed an initiative of a child-friendly education. This includes a strategy for five years to provide a safe and integrated environment that takes into account the needs of children, including children with disabilities. We remain committed to strengthening child's rights, protecting their rights, and developing our national policy so that every child can enjoy a safe environment, quality education, and care so that every child can contribute to our future and to shape it. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Oman. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Madam Chair, the full content of this statement will be made available in the UN Journal. Protecting the rights of the child is an absolute priority for the Brazilian government. At the heart of this commitment is a fundamental principle. We cannot fully protect children's rights without safeguarding the most basic right of all, the right of every child to live free from violence. It is precisely this shared imperative that can bring countries across different political perspectives together around a common cause. Brazil is committed to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 16.2. As a member of the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Anti-Violence Against Children, we remain fully engaged in accelerating and monitoring efforts to end all forms of violence against children, both online and offline. At the first ministerial conference held in Bogota in 2024, Brazil presented eight ambitious pledges towards the achievement of SDG 16.2 And last year, at the regional meeting in Mexico, we submitted an additional pledge. These commitments are already being translated into concrete actions. At the second ministerial conference to be held in Manila this November, Brazil intends to showcase the progress achieved over the past two years and to encourage collective efforts to end violence against children. Against the backdrop of a dramatic international context marked by a historical high number of armed conflicts, we cannot afford to delay action to protect children who are disproportionately affected by their devastating consequences. It is in this period that at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, Brazil, as a member of GRULAC, together with the European Union, presented the resolution realizing the rights of the child affected by armed conflicts, which was adopted by consensus. The resolution calls upon states to take effective measures to protect children from the impact of armed conflicts, ensuring that their best interests are a primary consideration. including through gender, age and disability responsive services. At the international level, Brazil is further engaged in negotiations towards the fourth optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, addressing the right to free pre-primary and secondary education. Madam Chair, it is paramount that we renew our efforts and focus on practical solutions to address the challenges affecting children's well-being. We must ensure that all children are safe and protected, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative for Brazil. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Madam Chair, South Africa aligned itself with the statements by Southern African Development Community and the Africa Group. and wishes to highlight that children are among the most vulnerable members of society and are afforded protection under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights instruments. Yet, despite these legal obligations, children continue to experience the flagrant disregard of their rights and protection. This year provides an important opportunity to take stock of the evolution of violence against children, as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the United Nations study on violence against children. Notwithstanding the progress achieved in implementing the study's recommendations, we remain deeply concerned that violence against children in the settings identified in the study has not been eliminated. The most disturbing reality is that new forms of violence have emerged. while long-standing forms of violence have evolved and become increasingly complex. It is regrettable that children are increasingly exposed to various forms of violence across multiple settings, including in the digital environment. Moreover, this year also marked the 30th anniversary of the General Assembly Resolution 51/77 of 1996, which established the mandate on the protection of children affected by armed conflict. Over the past three decades, the international community has developed a comprehensive body of legal frameworks that regulate the conduct of hostilities, protect civilians and seek to address their humanitarian needs. Modern warfare, particularly conflicts taking place in densely populated urban areas, has further increased the vulnerabilities of children. This is exacerbated by the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, health facilities and energy infrastructure. Furthermore, the rapid development and use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, present additional challenges that have the potential to increase the speed and scale of attacks in densely populated areas, while creating new risks of harm, exploitation, and abuse of children. We must strengthen the protection of children through pursuit of peaceful and sustainable solution to end conflicts. Madam Chair, we must also consider the generational consequences of violence against children. The trauma experienced during childhood can be profound, and the lasting consequences for individuals, families, and societies. It is therefore essential that greater emphasis be placed on initiatives that provide psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and social protection, while simultaneously addressing...

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.

Madam Chair, Ethiopia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African Group. The near universal ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child underscores the international commitment to prioritize children's welfare and their best interests, which are essential for creating a brighter and more sustainable world. Ethiopia's constitution guarantees children's right to life, protection from exploitation, hazardous work, and corporal punishment, ensuring their well-being and education. Building on this foundation, the government has enacted laws and policies prioritizing child rights and aligning national legislations with international human rights instruments. We have adopted comprehensive national child policy with due consideration of the principles and the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Child. and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to create a safe and conducive environment for their upbringing. Madam Chair, we are of the view that it's high time to intensify efforts to prevent violence against children in the digital environment, including emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence. This requires stronger safeguards and coordinated action to ensure that technological advances do not expose children to new forms of harm. In the same vein, we have put in place a standardized guideline for the prevention and response to online child sexual exploitation and abuse in an effort to strengthen coordinated reporting and response mechanisms for children exposed to online exploitation and abuse. A multi-sectoral coordination platform has been established to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders. The guide also assists frontline workers and criminal justice professionals in preventing and addressing online exploitation and abuse. Madam Chair, despite national efforts to advance and protect rights of children, persistent economic pressures, including debt servicing and competing fiscal demands, continue to constrain their full realization. Strengthened cooperation and coordination among stakeholders are therefore essential to mobilize resources, address this challenge, and build comprehensive support systems that safeguard the best interests of the child. In conclusion, Ethiopia, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, firmly believes that intensifying efforts to promote and protect the rights of children is crucial for the well-being of our planet and future generations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. I now give the floor to a distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Madam Vice-Chair. Special care and assistance, which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes as entitlements for children, should be understood and implemented comprehensively through the provision of health care and social protection services, as well as quality education. Creating equal opportunities for children is also indispensable to achieving better results in their social and economic development. and Vice Chair. In Azerbaijan, children comprise nearly 30 percent of the population. The protection and development of children and ensuring their full enjoyment of human rights play a crucial role in the social policy of the state. The policy program, National Strategy on Children for 2020-2030, approved by the president, identifies key issues and outlines strategies to address challenges relating to the protection and development of children. At the same time, a new law on the rights of a child was adopted this year, 2026, addressing contemporary challenges, strengthening protection mechanisms, and further aligning the normative framework with international standards. The law sets out general objectives and obligations of the state, guarantees to ensure the best interests of a child and an extensive list of rights and freedoms. The new normative basis fully reflects the commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Madam Vice Chair, Azerbaijan also prioritizes the protection and development of children in the post-conflict period. Following rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, forcibly displaced persons, including children, are returning to their places of origin. The Great Return program has enabled nearly 4,000 pupils to study in educational facilities for the academic year 2026-2027. The fate and whereabouts of 71 children among the over 4,000 persons who went missing in the early 1990s remain as a pressing humanitarian concern for Azerbaijan in the post-conflict period. At the same time, extensive mine contamination is another problem threatening lives, including children. Since the early 1990s, the deliberately planted mines have claimed the lives of and seriously injured more than 3,400 persons, including children and young persons. These humanitarian concerns require enhanced international cooperation in addition to national measures taken. To conclude, Azerbaijan reiterates its firm commitment to ensuring quality healthcare and education services, as well as maintaining an enabling environment for the development of children at every stage from birth to adolescence. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Venezuela. Please press the mic button. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Venezuela is grateful for this discussion on the protection of children's rights and the eradication of all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse. We reaffirm our commitment to the comprehensive protection of children, which is the primary responsibility of States and the entire international community. Millions of children are suffering from armed conflicts, poverty, violence and exploitation, in addition to digital risks such as the misuse of artificial intelligence. We need to strengthen prevention, protection and punishment for serious violations of children's rights in line with international law. Education is critical to this. It prevents violence and it reduces children's vulnerability. We need to strengthen safe and inclusive educational systems. Madam Chair. In April 2026, Venezuela commemorated 27 years since the promulgation of the Law for the Protection of Children, which enshrines the superior best interests of the child as the key principle. is part of our efforts to provide specialized care and support, including psychosocial support to children. This was reiterated in May at the regional meeting on children's rights. The earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela this year presented an additional challenge. In emergencies, children need particular care and protection. Venezuela deployed its emergency response capacity to respond to the challenge and in the context of responding to the challenge posed by unilateral coercive measures as well. Madam Chair, Progress made towards attaining the SDGs that apply to children is insufficient. They require more resources to make sure that no child is left behind. We need to strengthen international cooperation to attain our national priorities. We acknowledge the work of the Special Rapporteur. on the sale, exploitation and sexual abuse of children, and we share their concern about the use of emerging technologies. We need to move towards safe and inclusive digital environments, in line with the general recommendation 25 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. We need to build fairer and more peaceful societies for children to live in. We remain available to work with all other member states to make sure that every child can grow up in dignity and protection.

I thank the distinguished representative of Venezuela. I now give the floor to a distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Burkina Faso aligns itself with the statement delivered by Mali on behalf of the African group. With more than 12.6 million children, Burkina Faso attaches children particular attention, notably in the domains of health, education, nutrition, social protection, and efforts to fight against harmful practices and violence. In spite of the difficult context as a result of people having to flee their homes because of the security crisis, the efforts of the Burkina Be authorities are leading to tangible results in the health domain. Free healthcare for children under the age of five is continuing, and malaria cases have gone down by some 38% as a result of these efforts, while deaths for this age range have gone down by more than 1,000 in comparison with 2024. In terms of education, more than 12,000 vulnerable children, including children with disabilities, have benefited from support in school and vocational training in 2025. More than 4,847 girls benefited from school scholarships. In addition to this, over the last couple of years, 400 preschool centers were also opened. In terms of strengthening and protecting children, last year more than 32,000 children who were victims of violence or abuse received specialized care. The state also ensures the protection of children and cares and pays for the school fees of more than 1,000 children. In addition, operations to house children are continuing. Specialized shelters are being set up to help the most vulnerable children, notably children, in particular children who have been victims of trafficking and violence. Madam Vice Chair, for my country and for other countries, children's issues cannot be dissociated from security challenges that are exacerbated by terrorism, terrorism that is financed by some states. This terrorism spares nobody, including children. The international community's responsibility should therefore be focused on this issue. For its part, Burkina Faso reaffirmed its determination to strengthen children's protection and to guarantee that each child has the conditions for a safe and dignified future. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Saudi Arabia attaches particular importance to children's rights based on our national law, Interalia. We have many laws in our kingdom pertaining to protecting children, including Article 2 on Sharia and national protection, and the instruments to which the kingdom is a party, they guarantee the protection of children's rights. The law of July 2006 strengthens children's rights to have access to an appropriate environment for education, including access to high quality education. And this notably pertains to early childhood and bearing in mind particular unique circumstances for children with disabilities. As part of the kingdom's efforts to protect children from digital threats, There is the International Initiative to Protect Children, which was launched by His Majesty Mohammed bin Salman, which was part and part of our efforts and initiatives in this domain. There are five goals within this plan and 10 pioneering projects, which aim to provide services to millions of people throughout the world and to help them to develop cybersecurity for more than 16 million beneficiaries, and this aims to help children in more than 50 countries. We've also developed services to meet the particular needs of children who are victims of domestic violence. We're also working on the Children's Recovery Program, which allows children to recover from trauma and violence at home. The programme aims to include links between trauma and recovery and to ensure that children have the capacity to recover from traumatic situations. In conclusion, my country reiterates its determination to move forward and to continue to promote human rights, including the rights of children, in line with its national laws and international commitments. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Myanmar.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, in Myanmar, for more than five years since the illegal coup in 2021, the military junta has waged a systematic war against its own people, subjecting children to unimaginable atrocities. The record of the past two years is written in the blood of our youth. UN monitoring showed that airstrikes drove a surge in civilian deaths in 2025, with 294 children killed. Throughout the same year, 745 civilian casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war were recorded, and 21% of those victims were children. Across our country, the hunters' fighter jets drop explosives on populous areas, including classrooms, clinics, markets, and displaced shelters. Children who survive these attacks do not sleep. They listen to the sky in absolute terror. waiting for the next play. Today, 4.9 million children urgently require humanitarian assistance, yet the hunter intentionally blocked life-saving humanitarian aid and attacked aid workers, leaving millions of children lacking essential food, healthcare, and education. This is an immeasurable grief we face. In makeshift bone shelters, our teachers continue to educate, and our community risk their lives to provide shelter, care, and hope. But this work cannot be fulfilled alone. We are deeply grateful to the brave humanitarian workers and international partners who are consistently generous and courageous in delivering aid amidst the severe risks and bureaucratic barrier imposed by the military junta. Madam Chair, our demand to the international community has been consistent. I honestly appeal to all UN member states to immediately cut off the supply of arms, jet fuel, dual-use items, and financial supply to the military hunter. Let us be clear. Every drop of jet fuel delivered to the hunter translates directly into murdered school children. Bring the hunter leadership before the international courts. Those who order strikes in kindergartens cannot escape accountability and must face justice. Channel flexible, immediate funding directly to the NUG, SCEF, EROs and local CSO. Standing on the right side of history shows humanity, but making history ends the tragedy. In the case of Myanmar, the threat to life is an immediate concern. We cannot talk about the promotion and protection of the rights of a child before saving their lives. The children in Myanmar have no tears left to cry. either survive in trauma or they are taken away to. In this regard, NUG, SEEF, EROs, and all our partners stand ready to cooperate to address the crisis. There is no.

I thank the distinguished representative of Myanmar. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.

Madam Chair, first of all, I'd like to congratulate you upon your assumption of the chairmanship of the Third Committee at the 81st session. We look forward to working with you and your delegation to make sure that our work is successful. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Egypt and Uruguay. Madam Chair, we attach particular importance to the protection of children's rights as part of our international obligations. We have a law from 2022 which constitutes the framework to provide children with their access to education and healthcare. We have made significant progress in ending child labor, we have set up a unit for oversight in this domain and to establish national programs. Jordan's candidacy for the Human Rights Council for 2027-29 is part and parcel of this effort. Through our candidacy, we want to participate in international efforts. in this domain, including to ensure that children have access to education and high quality health care. Madam Chair, at this time, Palestinian children are being deprived of their rights. We need to ensure that they have access to their rights and can live in dignity without any kind of discrimination. We cannot accept that Palestinian children are being denied access to food and are even being killed. Like the European Union, we also wish to appeal for children in the West Bank also to be protected. We need to implement the relevant resolution 2803 to ensure that the ceasefire holds and to ensure that humanitarian aid can get into Gaza. We appreciate the role played by UNRWA, which is critical. This agency provides essential education in these areas to children. We condemn the illegal practices carried out by Israel. and we condemn the settler violence, including in East Jerusalem, which only further exacerbates the situation for the Palestinians. We support the efforts of the Special Representative and the Special Representative on the violence against children for their efforts in this domain.

I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.

Madam Chair, the State of Qatar has made significant efforts to protect children's rights in line with the State's obligations under human rights instruments and to create generations that can participate actively in society. We have rolled out various legislative initiatives in different levels and in different domains. This is in line with Qatar's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We attach particular importance to high-quality education for children and to protecting their dignity and protecting their development. We have a national strategy going towards 2030, which attaches particular importance to high quality education for children. Madam Chair, we focus on the role of the family in enhancing children's rights. We have a national body that aims to increase awareness about digital security and to allow families to protect children and to make the best possible use of new technologies. This focuses on the principle of the best interests of the child. And in this regard, we have a forum for children for family support, which is a partnership that we have with UNICEF. And that forum was hosted in Doha in September of this year. We also work with the special representative of the Secretary General on children in armed conflicts. We have this partnership which is reflected through the work of the United Nations in Doha, where UNICEF have their office. And there is also an analysis and communication unit of the Secretary General's representative. We contribute over $2 million to this effort. We aim to provide support over several years to UNICEF. Our contribution from 2019 to 2026 was some 28 million US dollars. In conclusion, we reiterate our commitment to move forward to protect children's rights. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Qatar. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Madame Chair, given its status as one of the most widely adopted UN treaties, the Member States share a common understanding of the importance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Canada reaffirms its support for this treaty since its national ratification in 1991 and maintains its recognition of the right to life and to development of children as fully fledged rights holders. We commend efforts made in recent years to allow children to express their concerns and their opinions regarding their life and their future. It is therefore worrying to see that, less than four years until 2030, the world is not on track to achieve SDG 16, which aims to put an end to all forms of violence against children. According to some reports presented by special representatives, 19% of children globally now live in conflict zones, compared to 10% in the 1990s. We are seeing an increasingly flagrant disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law from parties to conflicts, which disproportionately affects children and the services that they depend on. Even more alarming, for the first time, Government forces have been judged to be responsible for the most grave violations committed against children.

Outside of conflict zones, children face new and evolving realities. Climate change, economic crises, gender inequality, displacement, new technology and online harms are placing millions of children at risk every day. These compounding pressures can also increase the risks faced by girls of harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage, further limiting their access to education, health and economic opportunities. The implications cannot be understated. These pressures impact children's mental and physical well-being during the most formative years and extend to society. For example, the global cost of lost human capital associated with mental health conditions among children is estimated at $400 billion annually. Canada recognizes that to promote and protect the rights of children, both violence against children and new and emerging threats to their development must be addressed. States have a unique responsibility in this regard, given their obligations under international law and national policies affecting children. Multifaceted issues require multi-pronged approaches that cut across borders, sectors, and are inclusive of all rights holders.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you. Madam Chair, children are at the heart of Algeria's efforts to build an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous society. Investing in children is a national priority rooted in comprehensive social protection and universal, free, and equitable access to quality services focusing on their well-being and development. Algerian health as constitutional right and provides universal free health care. Consistent progress in maternal and child health, vaccination coverage, and nutritional monitoring has significantly improved health outcomes and reduced child mortality, keeping stunting rates among children under five well below regional averages. Madam Chair, education, guaranteed by the Constitution and free at all levels, is a cornerstone of our human development policy. In the 2024-2025 academic year, over 11.5 million children were enrolled with primary education approach and universal enrollment at nearly 100%, secondary participation standing at 75.3%, and kindergarten participation reaching 63.3%. Girls' education has also advanced remarkably. By 2024, female students accounted for 65.7% of the 1.7 million higher education enrollment, up from 60% in 2015. Additionally, more than 700,000 trainees attend vocational training centers annually. Inclusion is also a core priority in our educational system. During the 2024-2025 school year, nearly 50,000 children with disabilities were integrated into the school system, attending ordinary, specialized, and hospital-based classes. Furthermore, Algeria proudly welcomes and educates nearly 6,000 foreign children in our schools. To support families in vulnerable situations, particularly in rural areas, the State provides free textbooks, school allowance, transport, health services and school meals. Furthermore, Algeria strengthened child protection through enhanced legal safeguards against child abduction all forms of mistreatment, the launch of the National Action Plan for Children 2026-2030, dedicated protection bodies, toll-free helplines, universal birth registration, and expanded support for nursing mothers. Madam Chair, Algeria will continue building upon this achievement by enhancing access to quality health and education. advancing inclusion and reinforcing social support for children. In cooperation with UNICEF and our other international partners, we remain firmly committed to translating our national commitments into concrete lasting action for every child. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Madam Chair, Ukraine remains committed to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We continue our care reform so that every child can grow up in a family environment and we keep schools open, including underground, so that no child loses the right to education. Before coming to New York, I traveled to seven cities across my country and asked young Ukrainians two questions, what works and what hurts. What works was clear everywhere, projects at youth NGOs they run themselves. Ukraine attaches great importance to the meaningful participation of children and young people in decisions that affect them. What hurts was just as clear. In Kharkiv, students told me about years of classes in shelters. In Mykolaiv, pupils told me they can reach their friends in the occupied part of the Kherson region only once every two months. And in Kyiv, I met Matvi. In occupied Crimea, he was placed in a cadet class that taught him to handle a weapon and to see his own country as the enemy. He managed to escape on the day he turned 18. Matvi got out, but too many Ukrainian children remain trapped, and they cannot speak in this room. The United Nations has verified almost 4,000 Ukrainian children killed or injured since February 2022. For four consecutive years, the Secretary General has listed Russian armed forces for grave violations against children. More than 20,000 cases of deportation and forced transfer have been documented. Around 1.6 million children remain under Russian occupation or control. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Putin and his Commissioner for Children's rights. The UN Commission of Inquiry has found that these violations are part of a systematic state policy and constitute a crime against humanity. Last December, the General Assembly demanded the immediate and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children, yet Russia still withholds verifiable information and families still do not know where their children are. Ukraine therefore calls on Member States: first, to press Russia to comply with resolution ES11/9 on return of Ukrainian children and account for every Ukrainian child it has taken; second, to bring indoctrination and militarization firmly into UN reporting and monitoring; third, to apply the UN's own policy: state actors repeatedly listed for grave violations against children must not take part in peacekeeping operations; and fourth, to support the efforts of the Ukrainian governments, civil society organizations, international partners to return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate Ukrainian children. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. Madam Chair, every child deserves to grow up safe, nourished, and educated with the freedom to imagine a bright future. Afghan children are no exception. Five years after the Taliban's forcible takeover, that promise is being denied to millions. Afghanistan's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child remain binding, regardless of the country's political situation. UNICEF reported in August that more than 2.6 million girls have been denied secondary education since 2021. Afghanistan remains the only country where secondary and higher education are effectively closed to girls and women. Each lost school year deepens exclusion and increases vulnerability to exploitation, poverty, and child marriage. We are also deeply concerned by the growing displacement of comprehensive education by ideological instruction. These developments raise serious concerns about indoctrination and children's vulnerability to recruitment. Education must nurture critical thinking, tolerance, and the skills children need to thrive. It must never be used to glorify violence or perpetuate extremism. Madam Chair, the Secretary-General's 2026 report records 1,070 grave violations against children in Afghanistan, including the recruitment and use of 204 boys by the Taliban. Explosive remnants of war and cross-border hostilities continue to kill and injure children. We condemn these violations and call for accountability and full respect for international humanitarian law. The erosion of child protection and juvenile justice safeguards further exposes children to abuse. Every person under 18 must receive protection appropriate to their age. Survivors of sexual exploitation must receive care and justice, and not punishment, for the abuse inflicted upon them. We call for the immediate reopening of schools to girls, the restoration of child protection safeguards, and an end to child recruitment and corporal punishment. We urge predictable funding for nutrition, health care, psychosocial support, inclusive education, and mine action. Afghan children's voices must inform our response. Their rights cannot wait for a political settlement. Protecting them today is indispensable to building a peaceful, inclusive, and accountable Afghanistan tomorrow. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Afghanistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal.

Madame Chair. Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Senegalese delegation aligns itself with the statement by Namibia on behalf of the African Group and would like to make the following remarks in its national capacity. In addition to our collective commitments, there is one thing that is obvious: children continue to pay the highest price in the crises that are afflicting the world today. Millions of children are deprived of their most fundamental rights. Poverty, armed conflict, forced displacement, hunger, inequalities, violence, exploitation and discrimination all continue to undermine the right to life, health, education and a protective environment. The situation of children living in conflict zones is particularly alarming. They are the primary victims of forced displacement, the destruction of schools, health infrastructure, and also trafficking and recruitment by armed groups and other forms of exploitation. All too often, their protection is not enough given the scale of the crisis. Madam Chair, we must also pay heightened attention to displaced children, refugee children and children in a situation of mobility who are particularly exposed on migration routes to trafficking and to family separation. In addition to emergency situations, poverty and inequality still deprive millions of thousands of children from effective access to education, food, healthcare and social integration. Senegal is tirelessly continuing its efforts as part of its national policy to strengthen its comprehensive child protection system. In this regard, Senegal's Vision 2050, our national transformation vision, puts human capital at the heart of our national ambitions and makes investing in education, healthcare and social protection and the flourishing of children an essential lever of inclusive sustainable development. Senegal is also continuing its efforts to strengthen its legal and institutional framework, including through the expected implementation of the Child's Accord. However, This cannot be the responsibility of the state alone. It requires a collective mobilization, international cooperation, and in conclusion, we must act with greater determination to make sure that children living in conflict who have been forced to flee their homes, victims of poverty, violence, exploitation, do not find themselves forgotten in our political and humanitarian responses. Thank you for your kind attention.

Distinguished representative of Senegal, I now give the floor to a distinguished representative of Holy See.

Madame, Mrs. Chair, the Holy See welcomes the discussion on the promotion and protection of the rights of children. As the youngest members of our human family, children deserve a particular level of care and protection. The rights of children must be legally protected within juridical systems. Furthermore, the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection before as well as after birth. The family is the foundation and most important safeguard for children's rights. It is a child's first community and is responsible for the child's well-being. Mothers and fathers are their children's first teachers, protectors and advocates, helping them to become aware of their God-given dignity. Each nation's future relies on these new generations that will receive from their parents the manifold heritage of values, duties, and aspirations of the nation to which they belong and of the whole human family. Many children experience conditions that are unsuitable for their integral human development, such as lack of healthcare or adequate food supply, a little or no possibility of receiving a minimum of academic formation or inadequate shelter. Tragically, families themselves sometimes cause children to suffer through violence and harmful practices such as child marriage. Children are indeed more likely to live in poverty than adults, which puts them at risk of abuse and exploitation, such as child trafficking and forced labor. Children living in conflict zones also face terrible dangers. Pope Leo XIV notes that one perceives through the lens of innocence all the horror and inhumanity of actions that some adults boast of with pride. When efforts to make peace fail, it is often the children who pay the highest price. It is vital to address the root causes of these issues and to intervene where necessary to ensure that children can grow up in a family environment, an atmosphere of happiness, love, and understanding. The first right of the child is to be born in every family, a right that has not always been respected and that today is subject to new violations because of developments in genetic technology in which children are treated as objects to be discarded or acquired at will. Among these practices is abortion, which cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life. Similarly, assisted reproductive practices such as surrogacy violate the dignity of the child who is reduced to a product. Madam Chair, some serious problems remain unsolved, trafficking in children, child labor, street children, child marriage, exploitation, violence, and the use of children in *********** and modern communication. This violation of the God-given dignity of boys and girls must be effectively fought.

I thank the distinguished representative of Holy See. I now give the floor to a distinguished representative of United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The United Republic of Tanzania aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of Africa and SADC member states. The United Republic of Tanzania affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the best interests, rights, dignity, and well-being of every child through strong legal institution and service delivery mechanisms. In February 2026, the government launched Mama Samia Salu Legal Aid Act. The campaign has provided legal education, awareness, and gender-based violence and information on the right and responsibility of approximately 2.7 million children. Tanzania has also strengthened measures to eliminate child labor, including enhanced safeguards and penalties to employers of persons under 18 in hazardous work. Tanzania continues to strengthen measures to prevent child marriage and facilitate the return to school of young mothers. Tanzania further recognizes birth registration and legal identity as essential safeguards that enable children to obtain appropriate document and access child protection system, care, and support services, including health care, education, psychosocial support, and justice. With the support, Tanzania further recognizes-- sorry. With the support from UNICEF and the government of Canada and the private sector, under five birth registration coverage reaches 65% in 2025. Tanzania unequivocally condemns the sale, trafficking, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse of children. These offenses are criminalized under Tanzania Penal Code and Cyber Crimes Act, and enforcement and prevention efforts continues to be strengthened. We call for strengthened national, regional, and international action to prevent these grave violations, hold perpetrators accountable, protect survivors, and ensure child-sensitive access to justice, recovery, and rehabilitation. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti.

Madam Vice-President.

Madam Vice-Chair, my delegation aligns with the statements by the Group of 77 and China and CARICOM. Madam Vice-Chair, I thank the Secretary-General for the quality of his reports concerning the global situation of children. We are alarmed by persistent levels of violence, widespread poverty, significant vulnerabilities and heightened threats that we are seeing despite political commitments and current mobilization efforts. According to the joint publication of the Pan American Health Organization and UNICEF, the level of violence against children in Latin America and the Caribbean remains high, with a notable increase in violence in the digital sphere. Madam Chair. Haiti is undergoing a multidimensional crisis. This has been the case for seven years, and it is in a precarious situation. According to a UNICEF report in August, 2.8 million children in Haiti need emergency humanitarian assistance, and nearly 1.5 million people, half of whom are children, are internally displaced due to the escalation in violence. More than 1,600 schools have been forced to close, thus depriving more than 240,000 pupils of and nearly 5.7 million people face heightened levels of acute food insecurity. Madam Vice Chair, in response to this situation, measures have been taken by the Haitian government with the support of the international community. Since 2024, the multi-sectoral nutrition plan 2024 to 2029 has made it possible to reach more than nearly 93,000 children with acute severe malnutrition, 300,000 children have received doses of vitamin A and integrated health interventions have reached 350,000 women and children. The protocol for the transfer of children associated with armed groups signed in 2024 has led to the demobilization, the security and reintegration support for 570 children. The National Education Ministry and the Ministry of Professional Training intends to open six new public colleges and nine new technical higher education centers this year to respond to the needs of displaced persons. And UNICEF is 174,000 children across the country. Madam Chair, the safety and security of children is the top priority of the Haitian government and the rest of the world. It is everyone's commitment to make sure that children, whatever their circumstances, must remain alive, safe, and enjoy good quality education. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Haiti. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Russian Federation.

Madam Chair, The Russian Federation sees childhood as the most important stage in human development, and we are of the view it is necessary to create safe conditions to ensure that children's interests are met, that they are prepared for a fully fledged life in society, and that they are protected from factors that negatively impact their development. We are of the view that international cooperation to build a world fit for children should continue to be based on the key principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and also needs to into account national, cultural and other characteristics of States. We would once again like to express our disappointment over attempts by a number of countries from the collective West to manipulate some provisions of the Convention. We are particularly concerned by so-called progressive ideas regarding children being given all rights on the same level as adults. This ignores the basic principles of the Convention concerning the guiding role of parents and guardians. This contradicts the natural relationships between parents and children and creates conditions that could undermine traditional family and cultural values and specifics. Madam Chair, our country is proving its commitment to the outcome document of the 27th special session of the General Assembly, A World Fit for Children. We are continuing our socially oriented approach as part of our President's announcement of the Decade of Children. We are currently implementing a plan of events covering the period up to 2027, and we are paying particular attention to the fully fledged development, protection for and socialization of children without parents. Protecting children in difficult circumstances is the focus of strategy for comprehensive child safety up to 2030. In conclusion, Madam Chair, we would like to call upon delegations to refrain from politicizing this sensitive subject, to use intergovernmentally agreed terminology, and to not try to impose on others their own interpretations of internationally recognized documents regarding protecting the interests of children. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to a distinguished representative of.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to congratulate you on your appointment. You can count on my delegation's full support. Madam Chair, we align ourselves with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African Group. With more than 71% of our population aged under 25, caring for children's rights is a priority for my country, in line with our international and regional human rights engagements, notably the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Wellbeing of Children. Under the work of the Ministry for the Promotion of Women's and Children's Rights, significant efforts have been made to ensure children's holistic development. In spite of the complex security situation, the government is striving to protect children's rights and ensure that they have access to high-quality education, while also providing them with suitable materials to that effect. We also aim to improve their health and school canteens have been set up to provide nutritious meals. In addition to this, we have made efforts to allow for access to administrative services and schooling. In terms of healthcare, several programs have been made to improve children's access to high quality health care and to deal with the issue of malnutrition. nutrition among children. Efforts have also been made to protect children from harmful practices. We are determined to protect children from violence, and we have therefore taken efforts in this regard too by tweaking our criminal code to deal with the issue of violence against children. This is particularly the case in areas that are beset by conflict. In spite of these efforts, challenges remain, and that is why I would call on the international community to provide more support to countries operating in a difficult security environment, so that children in those countries have the same chances and opportunities as they would elsewhere in the world. Madam Chair, children are the future, and that is why we must ensure that we improve children's lives and provide children with the opportunities for a better future. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mali. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liberia.

Liberia aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group. A nation that fails its children does not only risk its future, it squanders it. In Liberia, we do not view our young citizens as passive recipients of charity. They are rights holders today, architects of our sovereignty tomorrow, and the ultimate test of our multilateral conscience. Grounded in our ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and our Children's Law of 2011, the government of Liberia has placed children at the core of national transformation under the arrest agenda for inclusive development. Our reality demands urgency. Across Western Central Africa, millions of children remain excluded from formal learning. We refuse to let poverty dictate human potential. Through our nationwide Back to My Classroom campaign, executed in partnership with UNICEF, we are bridging the divide, enrolling 80,000 out-of-school children across seven vulnerable counties this year on a defined pathway to return 250,000 boys and girls to school by 2029. Crucially, this initiative integrates classroom with civil registration and maternal child health services, because a birth certificate is a child's first line of legal defense against invisibility and exploitation. We place singular priority on the adolescent girl. When a girl stays in school, communities break the cycle of generational poverty, child marriage recedes, and national resilience takes root. To educate a girl is to fortify a republic. Madam Chair, as our youth cross new frontiers, the digital divide must not become a rights divide. Connectivity offers transformative learning, yet it exposes children to predatory abuse, trafficking, and privacy violations. Developing nations must not be forced to choose between digital isolation and unprotected vulnerability. We demand international standards, the whole platforms accountable, and ensure digital equity. Finally, Liberia speaks from the hard-earned wisdom of history. We know the devastating toll armed conflict inflicts upon the young, and endorse of the same school declaration as Liberia occupies a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Our continued pledge is to continue to ensure that the protection, rehabilitation, and agency of children in armed conflict remain non-negotiable pillars of global peace. It is time to move from declaratory solidarity to predictable financing. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Liberia. We have heard the last speaker on my list for this meeting. The committee will reconvene tomorrow morning promptly at 10:00 a.m. to hear the introductory statements and hold the joint interactive discussions under agenda item 24 and its sub-items A, B, and C. Thereafter, the Committee will resume its general discussion of agenda item 66 and hold the general discussion on agenda item 67 and on agenda items 110 and 111 on a rolling basis. The forthcoming speakers will be reflected in the live list. The meeting is adjourned.