In December 2025, the European Union held a first-of-its-kind consultation in Geneva with 23 children aged 12–17 from conflict-affected countries including Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Palestine, Colombia, Mexico, Afghanistan, Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, questioning them on how armed conflict has affected their life. 

The young participants shared how armed conflict has upended their lives and violated basic rights - from safety, education and health to family unity and mental well-being - with many describing fears of violence, loss of schooling and disruption of essential services. They urged protection of schools and hospitals, uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid, sustained psychosocial support and accountability for rights violations. The children also stressed that their voices are often overlooked and called for meaningful opportunities to influence decisions that affect them.  

Their input will help shape a UN Human Rights Council resolution on the rights of the child, co-led by the EU and the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Read the EEAS article EU Consults Children From Conflict Zones on the Impact of War on Their Lives and Human Rights