India’s UN ambassador, Harish Parvathaneni, has called for accountability for those who target children and schools during armed conflicts, stating that the protection of children is incomplete without accountability. He highlighted that education is a fundamental right that contributes to lasting peace. Recent incidents include a US investigation suggesting American forces may be responsible for a strike on a girls’ school in Iran, and accusations against Ukrainian drones for attacks in Russia’s Lugansk and Bryansk regions, which resulted in fatalities, including children.

• India is demanding accountability for repeated targeting of children and schools during armed conflicts.
• The Indian UN ambassador stated that protection of children without accountability is incomplete.
• Deliberate attacks on schools are considered war crimes under international humanitarian law.
• A US investigation suggested American forces might be responsible for a deadly strike on a girls’ school in Iran.
• Ukrainian drones are accused of attacking a dormitory and school in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic and a bus carrying children in Russia’s Bryansk.
• The UN Secretary General’s report noted shocking levels of violations against children in armed conflicts in 2025, with perpetrators acting with near-total impunity.
• India remains committed to protecting children in armed conflict and upholding their right to education.