01/10/2026
This morning the OSCE – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe received a briefing from the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Under-Secretary-General Ms. Vanessa Frazier 🇺🇳.
2025 was the deadliest year for children in armed conflict since the creation of this mandate 30 years ago, with State Parties responsible for the majority of such deaths.
In Malta's national statement Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Jonathan Engerer expressed Malta’s deep concern regarding such trends, stressing that these are consequences of political decisions, condemning all attacks on children and abuse of children in armed conflict.
Malta condemned Russia’s policies of deportation and forcible transfer of children, and of their enforced disappearance, while commending the pioneering work of the OSCE’s Support Programme for Ukraine in this context. 🇺🇦
The statement highlighted Malta's focus on capacity building related to CAAC, and closed with a call for greater emphasis on Children and Armed Conflict within the OSCE, including stronger synergies and cooperation with the UN Office of the Special Representative. 🤝 🌐
We thank the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the OSCE for organising this timely exchange. As summed up by the Swiss Chairpersonship - “children should be protected not punished”.
📷: Micky Kroell, OSCE