[UN: June 19] New Sec-Gen Nominees Grilled, Government Forces Killing Children & Lots More

On June 19, 2026, the United Nations faced a series of high-profile developments that underscored both the challenges and controversies within the global body. Among these, the grilling of two potential candidates for the position of Secretary-General stood out, alongside growing concerns about the increasing role of state actors in perpetrating violence against children during conflicts. These issues emerged amid broader discussions on the organization's financial health and its ability to respond effectively to crises around the world.

The day began with a heated exchange during a session at the UN headquarters in New York. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon clashed with Vanessa Frazier, who heads the UN Children and Armed Conflict office. Danon demanded that Pramila Patten, head of the Sexual Violence in Conflict office, resign following her report that had criticized Israel. Frazier, presiding over the panel, intervened, stating that personal attacks would not be tolerated. Danon then raised his voice, directing his remarks toward Frazier, demanding she remain silent. This incident highlighted tensions within the UN over accountability and the handling of sensitive geopolitical issues.

A separate but equally significant issue arose from the release of the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on children and armed conflict, published on June 17, 2026. According to the report, government forces have become the leading perpetrators of grave violations against children in conflicts globally. The data showed that in 2025, there were 38,558 such violations affecting 24,174 children, marking a 34 percent increase in verified child killings compared to the previous year. This shift marked a departure from earlier trends where nonstate armed groups were primarily responsible for such abuses.

The report attributed the rise in child fatalities to increased use of artificial intelligence and drone technology by state forces. A senior UN official expressed concern over the implications, noting that when states—entities entrusted with protecting children—instead contribute to their suffering, it reflects a deepening disregard for international law. The findings indicated that among the 76 entities listed in the "list of shame," only nine were government security forces, yet they were responsible for more violations than the 67 named nonstate armed groups.

Contextualizing these figures, the 2022 report had shown nonstate armed groups responsible for 55 percent of verified violations, with state forces accounting for 25 percent. By 2021, nonstate actors were responsible for 90 and 95 percent of violations related to the recruitment and abduction of children, respectively. However, a new trend emerged starting in 2023, with state forces becoming the main perpetrators in cases involving the killing and maiming of children, attacks on educational institutions, and the denial of humanitarian aid access. In 2024, as detailed in the 2025 report, although nonstate groups were still responsible for nearly half of the violations, state forces were the primary cause of casualties and restrictions on aid access.

The five regions with the highest levels of violations included the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Somalia. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank was particularly dire, with the report indicating that the impact of state actions was more severe than that of nonstate actors. This revelation has sparked debates about the effectiveness of existing mechanisms aimed at holding state actors accountable for their roles in conflicts affecting children.

As the UN continues to navigate these complex issues, attention also remains on the selection process for the next Secretary-General. The grilling of two nominees highlights the scrutiny and expectations placed upon future leadership of the organization. With ongoing conflicts and rising humanitarian crises, the need for strong, principled leadership at the UN has never been more critical. What lies ahead includes further investigations into the causes behind the increase in child-related violations and the development of strategies to hold state actors accountable, ensuring that the protection of children remains a central focus in international conflict resolution efforts.