Statement by H.E. Mr. Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict: “Protecting Children Today Prevents Conflicts Tomorrow”
09 July 2018
Mr President,
Let me first congratulate you and the Swedish delegation for assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of July.
Mr President
Today’s debate is extremely relevant and timeous, particularly given the rise in incidents of violations of the rights of children not only in armed conflict but also in terms of emerging asymmetrical threats to global peace and security such as terrorism.
The debate should also be seen within the context of preventative measures and addressing the root causes of conflict. The involvement of children in armed conflict, as the most vulnerable group of victims, is tantamount to sowing the seeds of war, which will bear insidious and destructive consequences in later years.
We commend the work of the Secretariat and the briefings by Ms Gamba, Ms Fore, and Ms Londoño, in bringing to the attention of this Council to the grave violations that continue to be perpetuated by both state and non-state actors. Indeed it is a most vital responsibility of this Council to respond to these violations and hold those responsible to account.
Mr President,
The fact that these violations have increased is a matter of serious concern, which indicates that our efforts so far have not been completely effective. Nevertheless, the work of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict is admirable and we applaud the delegation of Sweden as the chair of the Working Group for their continued efforts in moving forward the Children and Armed Conflict Agenda. However, we do believe that more resources and attention could be assigned to this agenda.
Addressing the root causes of conflict, the effectiveness of long-term peacebuilding, and the preventative diplomacy approach hinges strongly on the protection of children from the adverse influences and grave violations committed against them during armed conflicts. It is vital that we not lose sight of the fact that today’s children could constitute future rebel leaders, who would have learnt that in order to fend for oneself in an environment of little to no legitimate economic opportunities and political marginalisation, they would have to take up arms. Instead we should create a conducive environment where today’s children can become play a positive role in society.
In this regard, South Africa would like to emphasis the recommendation made in the report of the Secretary-General that the funding gap for reintegration of children recruited into armed groups back into normal society be urgently addressed. We fully support the establishment of the multi-year funding mechanism which will allow for the early release of children into long-term viable alternatives to military life.
Mr President,
While understanding the importance of addressing the problem of the involvement of children in armed conflict is important for future sustainable peace, the present problem of the grave violations against children during war times must urgently be addressed. In this regard, South Africa fully supports the strengthening of mechanisms for the protection of children in armed conflict. This could take the form of specific provisions in UN Peacekeeping missions, as well as the engagement of the UN with armed groups on the matter.
To further this aim, South Africa welcomes the Secretary-General’s call for cooperation with regional organisations and sub-regional organisation in coordinating efforts to address the violation against children in armed conflict. We also would like to highlight the need for dedicated child protection capacities within regional mechanisms and to encourage further engagement with the United Nations to prioritize the development of tools to forestall grave violations, including through the adoption of prevention plans aimed at institutionalising preventive measures.
Mr President, in conclusion,
In the year of the centenary of our former President Nelson Mandela, it is instructive to draw on his wisdom when he remarked that, “Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation” (closed quotes).
We believe the UN Security Council should take a firm and concerted stance in ensuring that our children, and youth in general, are shielded from the horrors of conflict and other violations which threaten to undermine our future prospects for the maintenance of international peace, security and development. This stance should be applied consistently and devoid of double standards to ensure that children are protected no matter where and in what context they may find themselves.
I thank you.
Rev. Thursday, 26-Jul-2018 9:13 AM