EU Declaration – Third Committee of the UN General Assembly: Interactive dialogue with UNICEF

10 October 2024, New York – Statement by the European Union at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Third Committee, Interactive Dialogue with Mr Manuel Fontaine, Special Adviser on Children’s Rights, Office of the Executive Director of the Children’s Fund United Nations (UNICEF)

Thank you, Chairman!

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The EU and its Member States fully support and commend UNICEF and its partners for their invaluable work to protect children and defend and promote their rights, at a time particularly marked by human rights violations against children, which prevent them from reaching their full potential. Wars and conflicts destroy children’s lives and their physical and mental health, and promote abuse, kidnapping, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Despite targeted initiatives and efforts, girls around the world still face disproportionate barriers to accessing inclusive education and social protection. This access is crucial to protect children affected by multidimensional child poverty, help them realize their potential and achieve the SDGs and the Pact of the Future for every child.

These challenges underscore the importance of our continued partnership with UNICEF to remove structural barriers that hinder the full development of every child. The EU encourages UNICEF to continue and expand their gender-responsive education sector plans, and to work with governments to strengthen social protection systems and integrate gender-responsive objectives to improve equity and equality in access to protection.

Mr Fontaine,

UNICEF has achieved three out of five 2025 targets measuring the long-term impact of strengthening inclusive social policy and social protection systems, which the EU welcomes. How can the EU and its Member States help UNICEF achieve its two remaining objectives: implementing social protection systems and routinely measuring and reporting multidimensional child poverty?

Thank you.