GSL 1(General)
The delegate of Turkey would like to thank the chair for their recognition
Honorable Chair and Fellow Delegates
The recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts is a grave violation of their rights and
international law. From 2005 to 2022, it was confirmed that over 105,000 children were recruited
and utilized by conflict-related parties.. To address this issue, UNICEF is collaborating with
governments and community groups to release and reintegrate children, while also providing
them with support services that are related to their communities.
The situation is intertwined with various factors such as displacement and conflict, poverty,
education and healthcare system breakdowns, gender segregation, weak legal systems, stigma
towards victims, and inadequate humanitarian support....
The prevention of child abuse and exploitation requires our collective effort. It is imperative that
we provide support to families facing severe poverty, ensure their access to education and
healthcare, and promote gender equality. Moreover, strengthening laws and policies will allow
us to hold the perpetrators accountable and provide justice and recovery services.
Let us commit to ending the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts. Let us give them
the protection, support, and care they deserve. We owe it to them to act now and ensure a safer,
more just world for all children. Thank you.
GSl 2(impact of displacement and migration on child recruitment)
The impact of displacement and migration on child recruitment is the focus of my speech as
Turkey's representative. Given the millions of children impacted across the globe, we must
ensure that more humanitarian aid and protection is available.
We have observed in the Syrian refugee crisis that displacement can increase the likelihood of
child recruitment. Over 3.6 million Syrian refugees have been taken in by Turkey, and we are
aware of their vulnerability as children. We have taken steps to minimize this risk by providing
education, psychosocial support, and safe spaces.'
Yet further actions are required. The international community needs to provide more funding
and resources to humanitarian organizations that are working with displaced children. The
pursuit of rights and access to education, healthcare, counseling is equally important as other
priorities. Additionally, we need to advocate for their protection.
Providing humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees has been spearheaded by Turkey, with a spending
of over $40 billion to date. It is impossible for us to do it alone. My plea is to collaborate with
the international community in promoting global solidarity and finding solutions to the root
causes of displacement and migration.
We must commit to enhancing the humanitarian reach and security of these vulnerable children.'
Let us make sure our children are safe from recruitment and we can live happily, without fear, in
peace. I urge you to join us as Turkey continues to play our part. Thank you.
GSL 3(impact of Social Media on Child Soldier Recruitment: A New Challenge for Protection
Efforts)
The impact of social media on child soldier recruitment across the globe requires immediate
attention. Armed groups now use social media platforms to spread propaganda, glorify violence,
and recruit vulnerable children. Why is this? Extremist groups have been able to recruit young
people and radicalize them more easily by using algorithms that target children, adolescents, and
other demographics.
Due to the anonymity and scale of social media, authorities struggle to monitor and even
respond to recruitment attempts. If we are unable to provide effective protection against child
soldiers or armed conflict, misinformation and disinformation can cause confusion among
stakeholders involved in the process.
The key to resolving this issue is finding ways to safeguard children from harm and counteract
extremist organizations. This includes campaigns to raise awareness among children and parents
about the risks of online radicalization and recruitment. "...
Similarly, we must also work with tech companies to create tools and policies that prevent the
spread of extremist content and facilitate reporting mechanisms. By collaborating with
governments, NGOs, and local communities, we can address the issue of creating protective
factors for children and adolescents through community-based approaches. This is an urgent
need that requires action.
Ensure that the rights and welfare of young people are protected and prevented from being
exploited by armed forces through collective action. The responsibility of safeguarding them in
the age of technology is entrusted to them. Why?
GSL 4(The Psychological and Social Impact of War on Children in Turkey: Providing Support
and Rehabilitation)
The profound psychological and social effects of war on children are a matter of great
concern. PTSD, depression, and anxiety are common among children who experience
conflict due to severe psychological trauma.The disruption of family structures and loss of
community support systems can leave children feeling isolated and vulnerable. It's
important to provide comprehensive mental health services that include trauma-informed
care and counseling. By implementing community-based initiatives, children and families
can restore their social connections while also having access to support networks. The
restoration and support of educational systems in areas affected by conflict is also
essential, as it ensures that children are able to learn safely. By creating environments that
are conducive to children's play, learning, and psychosocial support, trauma can be
lessened. Families can be supported financially, through parenting support, and through
family counseling to build strength and stability. We can help end this violence by investing
in the mental health, education and community reintegration efforts that will provide hope
for children affected by war. We must ensure that these children who are vulnerable are
protected and taken care of properly. Bringing aid to children suffering from war is of ut
