HRC63 - NB8 Statement - ID on the HC report on the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and children in conflict
63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue on the analytical report of the HC on best practices and main challenges in the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations
Statement delivered by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
16 September 2026
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the High Commissioner for the report and the Special Rapporteur for the presentation.
We remain deeply concerned that women and children and are disproportionally affected during and after the armed conflict. We condemn all violations of international humanitarian law and all human rights violations and abuses, such as all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence, and all violations of children’s rights, including the recruitment and use of children, killing and maiming, rape and other types of sexual violence, and abductions.
Women and children must not only be protected from violations of international law. Their rights, dignity and agency must be at the centre of conflict prevention and resolution, peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction and transitional justice processes. We stress the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making at all levels of peace and security processes. We welcome the High Commissioner’s and his Office continued work to increase women’s participation and leadership in peace processes.
Ensuring accountability for serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and providing effective remedies and reparation for the victims is essential.
High Commissioner, how to ensure greater participation of women and inclusion of women’s rights in peace processes and post-conflict decision-making?
I thank you.