Iraq Affirms before the Security Council the Importance of Protecting Children and Promoting Education in Conflict Areas

The Permanent Representative, Ambassador Lukman Al-Faily, participated on 25 June 2026 in the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, to discuss the report of the Secretary-General Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, as well as the importance of providing international legal protection for children affected by armed conflicts and strengthening the protection of education as a fundamental pillar for preventing grave violations against children.

The Permanent Representative emphasized that this meeting, which coincides with the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations mandate on children and armed conflict, underscores the need to ensure special protection for children under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. His Excellency also reviewed national efforts in this field, noting that Iraq has adopted the National Policy for the Prevention of the Recruitment of Children and Minors by Terrorist Groups for the period 2024–2029, in addition to establishing the Monitoring and Reporting Committee to follow up on the implementation of the joint action plan between Iraq and the United Nations on preventing the recruitment of children, and stated that that Iraq has fulfilled all commitments contained in the action plan.

The Permanent Representative called for strengthening cooperation among States, the United Nations, and relevant partners; integrating children protection measures into peace processes and ceasefire agreements; enhancing monitoring and accountability mechanisms; and ensuring continued access to safe and inclusive education for children affected by conflict.

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