Thank you, Mister President.
I would like to begin by thanking the Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Catherine Russel, and the two representatives of civil society, Mr. Raymond and Ms Rashevska, for their interventions.
We have heard it today, as we have so many times before: the difference between a childhood in peace and in war defines an entire life. In Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of children live in conflict situations. Many of them are affected by destruction, displacement, separation from family members and friends, and the disruption of education and health systems.
More than 2,406 children have been killed or injured since February 2022 in Ukraine. According to UNICEF, at least 16 more are added to this number every week. I insist: children must be protected and must never be targeted.
In the context of our known positions on Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, we raise the following points with regard to the protection of children:
Firstly, children are paying a heavy price for the ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure. Time and again, homes, schools, hospitals and energy infrastructures have been damaged, destroyed or even targeted in this war. Yet international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Children, being particularly vulnerable, are entitled to special protection at all times. This is all the more relevant as Ukrainian children face prolonged displacement and severe shortages of essential goods and services.
Secondly, the war permanently changes the lives of an entire generation of children. Many children spend the equivalent of six hours a day sheltering in basements under air raid sirens. We wish here to echo UNICEF's concern that war is not only played out on the battlefield, but also in the lives of families and in the immense resilience it demands of parents and their children in Ukraine.
Thirdly, Switzerland is deeply concerned by the deportations and illegal transfers of Ukrainian children within the occupied territories and to Russia, as documented by the Independent Commission of Inquiry. Many parents do not know where their children are or how to contact them. Deportations and illegal transfers constitute serious violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and war crimes. With regard to the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court in this respect, Switzerland reiterates its support for the Court and stresses that the independence of this judicial institution must be respected. We deplore all forms of threats or measures taken against the Court, its officials and those who cooperate with it.
Mister President,
International law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, grants special protection to children. It is essential to protect children in all circumstances and to respect their rights.
The best way to protect children is peace.
Switzerland reiterates its call on Russia to immediately cease all hostilities and withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine.
At the same time, we support all initiatives aimed at promoting peace in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, and reiterate our support for the Secretary-General in exercising his good offices in support of diplomatic solutions.
In conclusion, I would like amplify the voice of a mother from Dnipro:
"Every day of the past 1,000 days has been a struggle to protect my children. I simply want them to feel safe and warm and have a place to call home."
Let us do everything in our power to ensure that children and their parents in Ukraine can finally live in peace and build a secure future.
I thank you.