In an exclusive interview, Vanessa Frazier, the UN's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, highlighted the urgent necessity of protecting children in situations of war. She pointed out that the recruitment of children by armed groups remains a significant and distressing issue, with over 7,400 verified cases anticipated in 2024 alone. Frazier's observations come just before the international day against the use of child soldiers, underscoring the critical need to address this ongoing crisis.

Frazier noted that over the past three decades, the UN has successfully separated more than 220,000 children from armed gangs, reflecting both progress and a persistent challenge. She emphasized that preventing recruitment and ensuring the safety and well-being of children in conflict zones are central to fostering lasting peace. The issue is particularly pressing in the context of increasing conflict situations globally, which exacerbate the vulnerabilities of children.

There is a call for an intensified focus on prevention and protection efforts to safeguard children amidst armed conflicts. Frazier's message serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to ensure that children are not only protected from the ravages of war but also offered opportunities for rehabilitation and a stable future. The UN's commitment to monitor international conflicts aims to address and mitigate these grave violations against children.