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