STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

 

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE

ON CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT

 

26 JUNE 2024

  

Mr. President,

 

I would like to thank the Republic of Korea for convening this important debate. Our thanks also to Special Representative Virginia Gamba and the distinguished briefers for their valuable contribution.

            The updates in the latest report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, as well as from the briefings we heard today, are deeply concerning. The past year has seen a worrying trend of grave violations against children, with the highest numbers occurring in Gaza, Myanmar and Sudan, among others. Malaysia is appalled by the reported increase in the number of children who had been victims of grave violations in armed conflict; from 27,180 in 2022 to 32,990 in 2023. The outbreak and escalation of conflicts have profoundly affected children, exposing them to unimaginable suffering.

We deplore attacks on schools and hospitals which deprive children of their right to education and health care. We condemn the denial of unimpeded humanitarian access to innocent civilians in conflict. We continue to be concerned by the anticipated decline in the humanitarian situation in several countries, including in Myanmar, due to incidents of denial of humanitarian access in various forms, as verified in the Report.

 

 

Mr. President,

 

Malaysia reiterates the call by the Secretary-General, as contained in his report, for all parties to adhere strictly to their obligations under international humanitarian law, notably the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions, as well as those under international human rights law. We urge all parties to take all necessary measures to end violations against children. The relevant resolutions, including those by the Security Council, must be fully respected and implemented.

           

We continue to underline the importance of a reporting mechanism that is credible, independent, impartial, objective, and transparent. The listing of the Israeli armed and security forces for killing and injuring children, as well as attacking schools and hospitals, is long overdue and is commended.  Atrocities committed by Israel on innocent Palestinian civilians, including children, have persisted with impunity for far too long. The lives of thousands of Palestinian children could have been saved, had strong condemnation and decisive action against the occupying Power took place much earlier. Malaysia demands a thorough investigation into these grave violations by Israel against Palestinian children, and we insist that the perpetrators be held accountable.  

 

Mr. President,

 

Malaysia welcomes progress on engagements between the UN and the relevant parties to protect children in armed conflict. However, there is a lot more to be done. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that children are protected from the ravages of war and conflict. Beyond the numbers and statistics in the Report are real lives who deserve to grow up in peace, free from fear, exploitation and violence.  Children deserve our protection and the opportunity to achieve their goals in life.  Let us ensure them the future they deserve, as we look forward to adopting a Declaration on Future Generations.   

 

I thank you.