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Item 3: Clustered Interactive Dialogue on Violence Against Children and Children and Armed Conflict
2 MINUTE READ
March 8, 2016

Agenda Item 3, Clustered Interactive Dialogue with
Special Representatives of the Secretary-General  on Violence Against Children and Children and Armed Conflict

As delivered by Vivian Ekey

31st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
March 8, 2016
Geneva, Switzerland

The United States welcomes this opportunity to thank the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General.  We appreciate the continued efforts by Ms. Marta Santos Pais and Ms. Leila Zerrougui to highlight the urgency of addressing both topics: violence against children and children and armed conflict; and their advocacy for rights and protections of children.  Children around the world benefit from your tireless work.

Special Representative Pais:  Thank you for highlighting the role that sexual orientation and gender identity plays in the vulnerability of children to violence.  What recommendations can you give to member states to protect these children?

Special Representative Zerrougi:  With regard to the recruitment and use of children, how can member states work together to promote cross-border coordination on monitoring, reporting, and response?  Where should  more resources be directed?  How can UN staff operating across borders improve coordination?

Thank you Mr. Vice President