Lasha Darsalia Participates in the High-Level Event on the Protection of Children in Armed Conflicts

Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lasha Darsalia, participated in the event entitled “Protecting Children in Armed Conflict: Addressing the Impact of Explosive Weapons in an era of evolving warfare“, held during the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The event was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the mandate of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC).

In his remarks, Lasha Darsalia underscored that children are particularly severely affected by armed conflicts. He highlighted cases of children being killed and injured as a result of the use of explosive weapons, as well as psychological harm, forced displacement and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

The Deputy Minister spoke about the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on children’s rights and well-being and underscored the need to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law and to strengthen mechanisms for the protection of children.

Furthermore, Lasha Darsalia reviewed the reforms implemented at the national level to protect children’s rights. In his remarks, particular attention was paid to the human rights situation of children in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia, occupied by Russia. The Deputy Minister noted that the pressure exerted on ethnic Georgians, human rights violations, and restrictions on education in their native language in the occupied territories remain a matter of concern for Georgia.

In conclusion, the Deputy Minister expressed hope that, through joint efforts, it will be possible to protect the rights of every child affected by conflict and ensure appropriate conditions for their safe and peaceful development.