STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE
ON CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT
5 JULY 2023
Mr President,
Malaysia would like to thank the United Kingdom for convening this important debate. Our thanks also to Special Representative Ms. Gamba and the briefers for their valuable contribution. The subject of the debate is important to Malaysia as reflected through our initiative in tabling Security Council Resolution 2225 in 2015.
Mr President,
Malaysia is appalled by the reported increase in the number of children who had been victims of grave violations in armed conflict. Equally appalling are the reported use of live ammunition and excessive force which have caused countless deaths and injuries of children. The increasing number of attacks on schools and hospitals had deprived children of education and healthcare. The denial of humanitarian access in various conflict zones has hindered efforts to provide basic necessities to children. It is alarming to note that a total of 38 parties to conflicts around the world, State and non-State actors alike, have not put in place measures to improve the protection of children in compliance with relevant Security Council Resolutions.
Mr President,
Ensuring the protection of children in armed conflict is a collective responsibility that requires joint efforts from all parties. Malaysia urges all States to become party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, relating to the involvement of children in armed conflict at the earliest opportunity. We equally emphasise the need to endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration and the Vancouver Principles. Our commitment to these Protocol and Principles are integral part of our obligation to respect relevant human rights and humanitarian laws, particularly those regarding children in armed conflict.
We echo the Secretary-General’s proposal for the Security Council to ensure that the provision and capacity for child protection are included in relevant mandates of UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions. The UN peacekeeping missions are among the most visible actors on the ground in conflict zones and play an instrumental role in the protection of children in armed conflict.
The work of the UN and its agencies, including the engagement between the relevant mandated departments within the framework of Security Council resolutions, remain crucial. Malaysia commends the vital work of the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR).
Mr President,
Malaysia underlines the importance of a reporting mechanism that is credible, impartial, objective, and transparent. The glaring absence of Israel in the Annex of the report as it did last year, has continued to puzzle our delegation. Israel, the occupying power, must be held accountable for the violations and crimes it committed against Palestinian children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Malaysia reiterates our call for the inclusion of Israel in the Annex of future reports.
Mr President,
Impunity for crimes against children in armed conflict must end. No one should bear the brunt of wars, let alone our future generations. It is therefore incumbent upon us to provide them the peace and protection they deserve.
I thank you.