Humanists International
61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council (23 February – 31 March 2026)
Annual Full-Day Meeting on the Rights of the Child
Speaker: Leon Langdon
Thank you Mr Vice President.
The right to education of children in conflict is of the utmost importance. The knock on effects of missed classes due to conflict compounds, and along with the loss of socialization and mental health impacts means children struggle long term. Education gaps due to emergencies fuel long-term poverty and inequality.[1]
Where it does persist, education in times of conflict should not be allowed to be weaponised by nationalist or sectarian forces. When conflict feeds off of nationalism or differences in religions or beliefs, schools must be places of neutrality and safety, physically and mentally.
In Russia, we have seen history textbooks used to justify the war in Ukraine;[2] in Myanmar, teachers opposed to the military junta have been fired; and in Afghanistan, the Taliban have denied girls’ access to education and removed numerous topics from schools that are against sharia, including the topic of human rights.[3] Secular, rights-based education must be ensured for all children at all times.
Community leaders, including faith and belief leaders, have a duty to safeguard children during conflict. Too often we see that duty absconded. They must foster reconciliation efforts and speak out when children face human rights abuses, particularly those committed in the name of religion, such as sexual violence.
Finally, where normal order breaks down during conflict, children’s voices must be centered. Through meaningful engagement with children, and respect for their rights, including the rights to freedom of thought and expression, we can ensure that children help to shape their future and that of their peers.
Thank you.
[1] https://concernusa.org/news/how-does-war-affect-education/
[2] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/09/ukraine-russia-new-history-textbook-is-a-blatant-attempt-to-unlawfully-indoctrinate-school-children-in-russia-and-russian-occupied-ukrainian-territories/
[3] https://unama.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/SG%20Report%20Afghanistan%20S-2025-789.pdf
'Children's Rights in Conflict', Humanists International