Children take centre stage at the Human Rights Council to advance action on children in armed conflicts

Date: 22nd May 2026
Category: Armed conflict

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During the Annual Day on the Rights of the Child, 6^th March 2026, children were given the opportunity to address leaders directly, share lived experiences from Ukraine, Palestine, Lebanon and Colombia, and push for concrete commitments on prevention, protection, and long‑term recovery.

They took the spotlight at the UN Human Rights Council as young advocates from conflict‑affected regions delivered powerful testimony urging stronger global action to protect children in war zones.

Throughout the week, children met with senior UN officials, led their own side event, and unveiled a digital art exhibition featuring 254 works created by children worldwide, amplifying their calls for safety, dignity, and meaningful participation. Their advocacy helped shape a strong new UN resolution on children affected by armed conflict, adopted by consensus despite attempted amendments, that will be published on the OHCHR website later this year.

The message was unmistakable: children are not just victims of war - they are active agents of change, and their voices must guide global action.

Read Child Rights Connect Article

Find out more about the UN resolution on children affected by armed conflict