Children bear 'heaviest toll' in growing global conflicts, says Vatican diplomat at UN

(OSV News) -- Children are among those who bear "the heaviest toll" in the global rise of armed conflict and "the increasing acceptance of force as a means of resolving disputes," a Vatican diplomat told the United Nations.

"Too many children continue to suffer recruitment, maiming, abduction, and various forms of violence, with many tragically losing their lives," said Msgr. Marco Formica, interim chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.

Msgr. Formica delivered a statement at the U.N. Security Council's June 26 open debate on children and armed conflict.

On June 23, the U.N. released a new report on the issue, finding that in 2024, "violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels," surging 25% compared to 2023 -- an increase the U.N. called "staggering."

The agency said that "children bore the brunt of relentless hostilities and indiscriminate attacks," as well the impact of disregarded ceasefires, broken peace agreements and "deepening humanitarian crises."

The U.N. verified violations affected just under 22,500 children last year, with both non-state and state actors, who largely acted "with impunity," demonstrating "a persistent and blatant pattern of grave violations and lack of respect of the special protections afforded to children" under international law.

The report found that "government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access."

The "sharp rise" in multiple violations against children through abduction, military recruitment and sexual violence marked "an alarming escalation in brutality," the U.N. said in its report.

The data also indicated the use of private security companies contributed to the violations against children's safety, along with direct attacks on children, increasingly destructive weapons deployed in populated areas, terrorization and psychological harm to children, and mass displacement.

"Such actions constitute a profound violation of the dignity with which they (children) were endowed by God, and an unquestionable infringement of their fundamental right to life," said Msgr. Formica in his statement.

"It is particularly alarming that locations which ought to remain inviolable safe havens, such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship, are increasingly subjected to attack," he said. "Instead of fostering education, healing and spiritual consolation, these spaces are being transformed into sites of devastation and fear."

In addition, he highlighted the lingering effects of war "beyond the immediate physical toll," such as landlines and other unexploded ordnance, which "pose long-term threats and inflict deep psychological and emotional trauma."

Msgr. Formica stressed the "urgent need to safeguard the lives and dignity of children affected by armed conflict," with three specific recommendations.

"First, access to humanitarian assistance must never be impeded," said Msgr. Formica.

Echoing repeated calls from Pope Leo XIV, the late Pope Francis and Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the Holy See's permanent observer at the U.N., Msgr. Formica called for "an end to the use, production and stockpiling of indiscriminate weapons, particularly in populated areas" as "a vital step towards limiting the harm inflicted on children."

He also urged the U.N. to ensure that the protection of children affected by armed conflict remains "a core priority."