The UN General Assembly Hall in New York | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
NEW YORK – The Philippines is being removed from the United Nations Secretary-General’s list of “situations of concern” in the 2024 Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict—a major milestone in its journey from internal conflict to peace.
The country was first listed in 2003 due to the recruitment and use of children by armed groups. Since then, it has made significant strides in child protection. Key reforms include establishing the Inter-Agency Committee on Children involved in armed conflict (IAC-CIAC); adopting the 4th National Plan of Action for Children, aligned with global child rights standards; and launching the MAKABATA Program and Helpline 1383, a centralized system for reporting and responding to child violations.
The UN acknowledged these sustained efforts, especially the Philippines’ increased cooperation since late 2024. A pivotal meeting in March 2025 between Philippine officials and the UN Special Representative helped solidify the roadmap for long-term child protection.
In the context of the UN, a “situation of concern” refers to a country or region where the UN has verified grave violations against children in armed conflict. When a country is listed, it means the UN is closely monitoring and engaging with that government (or non-state actors) to address these violations. Being on the list can lead to international scrutiny, pressure for reforms, and targeted support to improve child protection.
When the Philippines is removed from this list, it signals that the UN recognized sustained progress in protecting children from conflict-related harm. It’s not just a symbolic gesture—it can reshape the country’s diplomatic perception and its role in global peacebuilding.
The Philippines is also planning to co-host an international event to share its lessons and position itself as a global model for child protection in post-conflict settings.
According to the UN Secretary-General’s report on Children and Armed Conflict, 17 countries and situations remain on the list. These include Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel and the State of Palestine, Mali, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen. In addition, several non-state armed groups operate in countries like Colombia, Nigeria, and the Philippines (though the state itself has been delisted).
