ICC Deputy Prosecutor and UN Envoy Discuss Stronger Cooperation to Protect Children in Armed Conflicts

The Hague — Strengthening the protection of children caught in armed conflicts was the central focus of a high-level meeting between ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang and Vanessa Frazier, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. The discussions highlighted the shared commitment of international institutions to enhance cooperation in preventing grave violations against children and ensuring greater accountability for crimes committed during times of war.

Children remain among the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict. Across various conflict-affected regions, millions of boys and girls continue to face threats including displacement, recruitment by armed groups, attacks on schools and hospitals, family separation, sexual violence, and the denial of access to education and healthcare. International organizations have consistently emphasized that protecting children must remain a central priority in humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts.

During the meeting, both officials explored ways to strengthen collaboration between their institutions in addressing crimes affecting children. Discussions focused on improving the exchange of information, supporting investigations into serious violations of international law, and reinforcing mechanisms that help prevent future abuses.

The International Criminal Court plays a significant role in investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of committing genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Many of these investigations involve allegations of crimes committed against children, making close cooperation with United Nations agencies an important component of international justice efforts.

The Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict works globally to monitor violations against children, engage with governments and armed actors, advocate for stronger legal protections, and promote measures that reduce the impact of conflict on young people. Its work supports international efforts to place children’s rights at the forefront of peace and security initiatives.

Officials noted that effective child protection requires more than legal accountability alone. Preventing violations depends on coordinated action involving governments, international organizations, humanitarian agencies, civil society, and local communities. Sharing expertise and strengthening institutional partnerships can improve both prevention strategies and responses when abuses occur.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks that prohibit the recruitment and use of child soldiers, attacks on civilian infrastructure serving children, and other grave violations during armed conflict. Upholding these legal standards contributes to protecting vulnerable populations while reinforcing respect for international humanitarian law.

Beyond immediate protection measures, participants acknowledged the long-term challenges faced by children who survive conflict. Many require psychological support, education, healthcare, family reunification, and opportunities to rebuild their lives after experiencing violence and displacement. Sustainable recovery often depends on coordinated humanitarian assistance and inclusive post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

The discussions reflected a broader international recognition that accountability and child protection are closely connected. Investigating and prosecuting those responsible for crimes against children can help deter future violations while giving survivors and affected communities greater confidence in the rule of law.

As armed conflicts continue to affect populations in different parts of the world, international institutions are placing increasing emphasis on cooperation to address complex humanitarian challenges. Partnerships between judicial bodies and United Nations agencies help strengthen global efforts to protect children, promote justice, and support lasting peace.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining close collaboration and advancing initiatives that place the rights, safety, and well-being of children at the center of international peace and justice efforts. Both sides reaffirmed that protecting children from the devastating consequences of armed conflict remains a collective responsibility requiring sustained international action.