Human Rights Council – 61^st Session
General Comment on draft resolution L.27
Rights of the child: realizing the rights of the child affected by armed conflict
Statement by Iceland
30 March 2026

Mr. President,

Iceland thanks the core group for presenting draft resolution L.27 and for the careful updates made to the text that reflect the gravity of the situation for children affected by armed conflict worldwide.

According to UNICEF, more than one in six children globally live in areas affected by conflict. No matter where in the world violence strikes, children are the first to be disproportionately affected by it.

Iceland fully aligns with the child-rights approach anchored in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols. We particularly welcome the emphasis on disability- and gender responsive, and survivor-centred support services, including access to sexual and reproductive health services for those affected by armed conflict.

Iceland underscores the importance of ensuring accountability for grave violations of the human rights of children during armed conflict and that meaningful child participation, as well as child safety and well-being, is placed at the core of peace and post-conflict processes.

We are pleased to see that the draft resolution reflects this approach and acknowledges the specific vulnerabilities of children in marginalized situations.

Iceland joins consensus on this important and timely resolution and urges all members of this Council to do the same.

Thank you.