Protecting children from the ravages of war is important: this has been reiterated in a joint statement, to coincide with the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, by the European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, the African Union Commissioner Bankole Adeoye and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier. One in five children worldwide lives in conflict-affected settings, children are often the first and always the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict, and survivors endure trauma. According to UN figures, in 2024, 7,402 children were recruited and used in conflict. A third of the affected children were girls, facing distinct and severe risks, including forced marriage and sexual exploitation. “At a time when multilateralism faces growing pressure, strong partnerships matter more than ever”, says the text, which insists that partnerships among the EU, the AU and the UN are essential. Hence their joint commitment to protect children, address the root causes that drive child recruitment, comply fully with international law, and immediately and unconditionally release all children from their ranks. Preventive and countering measures, measures for the rehabilitation and support of child soldiers are some of the ways to go, because “the protection of children underpins peace itself”.