At the United Nations, Pakistan has called for addressing the root causes of conflict to protect children from the ravages of war and foreign occupation.

Speaking during the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, Ambassador Usman Jadoon said the situation of children under foreign occupation remains deeply alarming.

He noted that more than twelve thousand grave violations against children were recorded in one year in the Occupied Palestinian Territory alone.

He described the psychological trauma and physical atrocities endured by children in other situations of foreign occupation as extremely concerning.

Ambassador Usman Jadoon stressed that all such situations must be closely monitored and objectively reported to the Security Council, so that perpetrators are held accountable.

He said the plight of children in conflict settings and situations of foreign occupation cannot be addressed without addressing the root causes.

He called for greater focus on preventive diplomacy, conflict resolution and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.

Usman Jadoon also called for sustained investment in rehabilitation, reintegration and psycho-social support programmes to restore dignity, rebuild futures and prevent cycles of re-recruitment.