Egypt articulates its stance regarding the rights of Children in Armed Conflict
Author : Ingy Ihab Published at : Mar 30, 2026
Ingy Ihab
On 30 March 2026, during the 53rd meeting of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, the draft resolution –submitted by Uruguay (on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, except Argentina and Paraguay), Cyprus (on behalf of the European Union) – regarding the rights of the child affected by armed conflict (A/HRC/61/L.27/Rev.1) was adopted without a vote.
Prior to adoption, Egypt welcomed the focus on children affected by armed conflicts highlighting that they remain among the most vulnerable victims during wars, bearing consequences they neither create nor control.
Moreover, Egypt emphasized that strengthening protection for children in conflict settings is not only a humanitarian necessity but also a legal obligation. In this regard, it appreciated the efforts undertaken by the core group to reinforce language concerning the obligations of occupying powers and welcomed the inclusion of references to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, family tracing and safe reunification. Egypt further valued the resolution’s emphasis on children’s rights to education and health, as well as the recognition of the need for rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. In addition, Egypt welcomed the acknowledgment of the long-term dangers posed by explosive remnants of war and the recognition of religion as a ground of discrimination affecting children in situations of armed conflict.
Despite all the positive aspects, Egypt made observations regarding certain formulations within the draft resolution.With respect to references concerning children’s participation throughout all phases of the conflict cycle, Egypt underlined that such participation should be understood in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (the “CRC”). Participation, in this regard, should remain age-appropriate and consistent with the evolving capacities of the child.
Noting that the CRC recognizes the right to the highest attainable standard of health without explicitly referring to sexual and reproductive health, Egypt stressed that references to sexual and reproductive health in the resolution should remain confined to the specific context of armed conflict taking into consideration risks arising from sexual violence in such circumstances, and should not be interpreted or applied beyond that scope.
Despite these observations, Egypt reaffirmed its support for the overall objective of the resolution and announced its decision to join the consensus, recognizing the importance of strengthening international efforts aimed at protecting children affected by armed conflict.