**United Nations Human Rights Council**
**58th Session**
**Annual Day on the Rights of the Child**
**Panel 2: Early childhood development in emergencies: putting children’s rights first**
**13 March 2025**
**EU Statement**
Mr. President, Distinguished Panelists,
Early childhood is a critical period that shapes a child’s future. Especially, in humanitarian crises and fragile settings, access to early childhood development services can be the difference between life and death. Nearly half of all deaths among children under five occur in conflict-affected or fragile environments, where vital humanitarian access is increasingly denied. Children who experience extreme stress and deprivation in their early years are more likely to face severe developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and long-term emotional and behavioral challenges.
The European Union remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every child - regardless of the situation the child is living in - has access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection. The EU actively supports inclusive, quality early childhood education and care, particularly for children in displacement, poverty, or conflict-affected settings. Children’s consultations – particularly of the most marginalized – is essential. Investing in early childhood development is not just about protecting children’s rights, it is essential for breaking cycles of poverty and violence and fostering peaceful, resilient societies.
Ensuring early childhood development in fragile contexts is a matter of upholding human rights. We must work collectively to translate commitments into action, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can grow up with dignity, protection, and opportunity.
Thank you.