High-level ymposium

Children First. Accountability Now.

  • Datum en tijd 9 June 2026, 10:00-18:30 CET
  • Waar Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ The Hague
  • Voor wie NGO/CSO community working on justice and accountability issues, particularly related to international humanitarian law, armed conflict, and children's rights

Over dit event

Children are disproportionately affected by armed conflict, yet international law and justice mechanisms for conflict-related crimes remain largely adult-centred. During this symposium, we will explore a central question: 

How can we use existing international law to effectively protect children? 

When children become the benchmark for international law, higher standards of protection follow. This principle lies at the heart of the event. 

 

Program | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Walk-in and registration 

11:00 AM – 05:15 PM | Symposium sessions 

  • Featured speakers on children and armed conflict, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, UN SRSG Vanessa Frazier and AU Special Envoy Jainaba Jagne 
  • Eyewitness accounts and operational perspectives from Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ukraine, and research findings of specific harm to children 
  • Perspectives from legal and diplomatic practice on accountability for crimes against children within international law 
  • Interactive dialogue with experts and practitioners from Save the Children, the UN, the African Union, the International Criminal Court, State representatives, and more 

05:15 PM – 06:30 PM | Reception 

Additional information about the programme, speakers, and practical details can be found on the website: Children First. Accountability Now.

Aanmelden

To register, click here. Kindly note that advance registration is required for entry. Please ensure you register using the name listed on your passport. Due to venue security procedures, a valid physical ID card or passport is required to access the Peace Palace.