Dmytro Lubinets: The UN warns of an increase in the number of child deaths and injuries in conflict zones in 2024

According to the UN, over the past year alone, the number of cases of killings and mutilations of children living in areas affected by international conflicts has increased by 35%. Dmitry Lubinets, the authorized representative of the Ukrainian Parliament on human rights, highlighted these alarming statistics during a press conference dedicated to the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

"As of now, according to the UN, the percentage of violence against children in armed conflict zones has increased by 21 points, reaching the highest level in world history. Just in the past year, the number of cases of murder and mutilation of children residing unfortunately in territories affected by international conflicts has risen by 35%," he stated.

Lubinets informed that in preparation for this press conference, the Ombudsman's Office had a separate meeting with UN representatives, during which they indicated a high likelihood that these indicators would increase again by the end of 2024. He lamented that the trend of spreading armed conflicts continues to rise.

He emphasized that the primary task of Ukrainian initiatives, including the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, is to find specific methods and mechanisms to stop aggression against Ukrainian children and children worldwide.

"I know it will be a difficult story, that there will be difficult discussions. But I am sure that, like all three previous summits, the fourth will yield concrete results - both for Ukrainian children and children worldwide," stressed Dmitry Lubinets.

He also mentioned that the summit aims to invite representatives of countries that have not only faced or are facing similar violations of human rights in armed conflicts, but also have specific experiences in protecting children, returning them after deportation, and ensuring accountability in the international system for militarizing children and their deportation, among other issues.