Security Council Adopts Resolution to Protect Children from Risks of Digital Technology in Armed Conflicts

New York, October 19 (KUNA) -- The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Monday calling on member states to take necessary measures to protect children in armed conflicts from violations committed, facilitated, or exacerbated by the use of digital technology, in accordance with international law.

Resolution 2832 (2026), for which Greece submitted the draft, stated that digital technology can contribute to the commission, facilitation, or exacerbation of violations against children, while emphasizing the importance of leveraging it to prevent such violations and enhance child protection, ensuring privacy and data protection.

The resolution strongly condemned the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts, as well as their killing, maiming, abduction, exposure to sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and obstruction of humanitarian aid access, calling on conflict parties to immediately cease these practices.

It urged member states to integrate digital protection measures into their national child protection systems, provide safe channels for reporting violations, and establish accessible mechanisms, alongside delivering appropriate services and support to victims and survivors, and preventing the recurrence of violations.

It encouraged states to take actions consistent with international law to combat the recruitment and exploitation of children in the digital environment, and to address the use of technology to facilitate abduction and sexual violence, noting that girls are more vulnerable to risks of violence facilitated or amplified by digital technology.

The resolution called on member states, UN agencies, and international partners to strengthen remote education and digital literacy in conflict zones, and to expand children’s access to technology and digital skills, taking into account the needs of areas with poor connectivity and resource shortages.

It affirmed the importance of empowering children affected by conflicts, including those previously associated with armed forces or groups, to acquire digital skills, enhance their ability to cope with risks in the digital environment, and support their reintegration.

The resolution requested the UN Secretary-General to collect information and lessons learned regarding the benefits and risks of this technology, in coordination with relevant UN entities, stressing the need to combat impunity, strengthen national accountability mechanisms, and build capacity for investigation and prosecution, ensuring that those responsible for violations against children are brought to justice, while guaranteeing victims’ right to access justice and receive medical care and necessary support.

It also called for supporting national and regional research on the benefits and risks of digital tools and platforms for children, including their impact on mental health and well-being, and enhancing partnerships between governments and the private sector to establish safeguards against exploitation and violations. (End) A.S.T. / R.J.