(Islamic Republic of Iran Mission to the UN) – I would like to begin by congratulating Malaysia on assuming the presidency of the Council and for organizing this open debate in a timely manner on the very important matter of children and armed conflict. I would also like to thank SG for presenting his annual report on “Children and armed conflict” as well as SRSG Zerrougui for their valuable inputs to this debate. According to SG’s report, 2015 was sadly another horrific year for children trapped in conflict zones and targeted by warring factions with no respect for international humanitarian law and the welfare of our children. Children are currently suffering and being killed and maimed in massive numbers as a result of armed conflicts. At the same time, we have witnessed the proliferation and growth of extremist groups who systemically violate the rights of children. They perpetrate acts of violence against children, launch indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations, target schools and health facilities and abduct children in large numbers.
