She briefed the group on her mandate and on the challenges and opportunities to improve the protection of children affected by conflict. We have made great strides to shield children from the impact of war, but we still face enormous challenges and we need your support.” “The work taking place in Geneva is extremely important for our mandate.

“I am extremely grateful to Belgium, Uruguay and all of those with us today for this initiative,” said Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.

The group, composed of representatives of close to 30 Member States representing all continents, will meet regularly to discuss advances and challenges to improve the protection of children affected by conflict.

Geneva – In December 2015, a new Group of friends on children and armed conflict was created in Geneva under the chairmanship of Belgium and Uruguay.ĭuring the inaugural meeting, Ambassador Bertrand de Crombrugghe de Picquendaele, and Ambassador Ricardo González Arenas, Belgium and Uruguay’s Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in Geneva, explained that the Group of friends will ensure that the needs of children affected by war remain on everyone’s minds in their work with the Human Rights Council, Special procedures and other UN bodies in Geneva.

Friends of children and armed conflict