On June 24, 2026, the United Nations Security Council held its annual open debate on children and armed conflict (CAAC) under Colombia’s presidency. As the mandate marks its 30th anniversary, the open debate offered an opportunity for UN Members States to examine recent trends under this agenda, reaffirm their international obligations for the protection of children in armed conflict, and promote approaches aimed at the effective implementation of existing commitments. The debate focused on the protection of schools and educational settings and prevention of attacks against schools.
At the open debate, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC) Vanessa Frazier presented the Secretary-General’s (SG) annual report on CAAC (S/2026/357), covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. In addition to the SRSG-CAAC, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and Andre Prospery Raymond, Plan International Haiti Country Director, briefed the Council. The African Union Special Envoy for Children Affected by Armed Conflict Jainaba Jagne also addressed the Council.
Read the detailed review and analysis here.
Photo: © UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
