At a historic moment where the world faces unprecedented challenges, including armed conflicts, climate change and food insecurity, among others, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child announced the cancellation of its April pre-session in Geneva, due to lack of financial liquidity.
By the end of 2023, only 70% of expected contributions had been received by the UN, the worst liquidity crisis in almost a decade, which has had a direct and profound effect on its ability to operate effectively and carry out its tasks. crucial mandates in defense of human rights, now more pressing due to the expansion of war on several continents.
We join the urgent call expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child and its deep concern about the impact that this financial crisis has on its ability to maintain dialogue with interested and vital actors, including children, civil society organizations and UN agencies. Such interactions are essential to carry out the review of compliance with the obligations of the States parties in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Any delay in these talks harms the protection of children around the world, as well as increasing the cumulative delay in the Committee's work, already exacerbated by the pandemic. For every country, for every society, for every leader, girls and boys must be a priority. Member States have an obligation, under international law and ethics, to renew their commitment to all children and act with the urgency that these unprecedented times require.