CARICOM Statement on Children and Armed Conflict: Effective Strategies for the Prevention and Cessation of Grave Violations.

The Caribbean’s Plea for the Children of Conflict: A Call to Action at the United Nations

The year is 2025. The world stands witness to unprecedented levels of violence against children in conflict zones. Amidst this grim reality, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), represented by Ambassador Dr. Mutryce Williams of St. Kitts and Nevis, brought an urgent plea before the United Nations Security Council. Their message was clear: the international community must act decisively to protect children caught in the crosshairs of armed conflict, particularly in the beleaguered nation of Haiti. Ambassador Williams’ address painted a stark picture of the devastating impact of conflict on children, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective strategies to prevent and end these grave violations.

CARICOM’s appeal highlighted the alarming statistics presented in the UN Secretary-General’s report, which documented over 41,000 verified grave violations against children in 2024, a staggering 25% increase from the previous year. This grim reality marked the third consecutive year of escalating violence, with children bearing the brunt of armed conflicts across the globe. The report specifically identified six grave violations: child recruitment and use; killing and maiming; abductions; rape and other forms of sexual violence; attacks on schools and hospitals; and denial of humanitarian access. These violations represent not only a tragic loss of innocent lives but also a profound erosion of children’s rights and their future potential.

Haiti emerged as a focal point of CARICOM’s concern. With 60% of its population under the age of 24, Haiti has witnessed a horrifying 492% increase in verified grave violations against children. The devastating impact of gang violence, political instability, and socioeconomic hardship has created a breeding ground for the exploitation and abuse of children. Attacks on schools and hospitals have disrupted education and healthcare, depriving children of their fundamental rights. The proliferation of narcotics, exploitative extractive practices, and enforced child labor further compound the vulnerability of Haitian children, jeopardizing their development and future prospects.

While acknowledging the dire situation, Ambassador Williams also recognized the efforts of Haiti’s transitional authorities to address the crisis, including the establishment of a task force to implement the handover protocol for children associated with armed groups and the release of detained children to civilian child protection actors. CARICOM’s message was one of both alarm and hope, underscoring the urgent need for international support to bolster these nascent efforts and protect Haitian children from further harm.

CARICOM’s call to action extended beyond Haiti, encompassing a broader appeal for global cooperation to prevent and address grave violations against children in all conflict zones. Ambassador Williams urged member states to join and implement the Convention on the Prohibition of Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines, and their Destruction. She emphasized the importance of supporting local and international partners in community child reintegration efforts, providing alternative shelter, psychosocial care, and safe access to education. Strengthening national capacities for weapons and ammunition management in conflict zones was also highlighted as a critical step towards protecting children.

Furthermore, CARICOM called on member states to uphold their commitments to the Safe Schools Declaration, ensuring that education is prioritized and protected as a frontline priority. Ambassador Williams stressed the need to integrate child protection capacities into mandate renewals and UN country teams, recognizing that the protection of children is a fundamental indicator of the effectiveness of international security frameworks. The appeal concluded with a powerful call for the Security Council to impose sanctions against the financial sources of armies that exploit and deploy children, sending a clear message that such atrocities will not be tolerated.

In essence, CARICOM’s address to the UN Security Council served as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of armed conflict on children. Their message, delivered with urgency and conviction, underscored the collective responsibility of the international community to protect the most vulnerable members of society. The plea for global action resonated with a call for concrete measures, including strengthening international legal frameworks, supporting child protection initiatives, and holding perpetrators accountable. The future of children in conflict zones hinges upon the world’s response to this urgent call for action.