Cairo, Egypt – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Maltese diplomat Vanessa Frazer as his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. This move succeeds Virginia Gamba. Observers described it as a reflection of the international organization’s commitment to strengthening the presence of women in UN leadership positions related to human rights and child protection.
In a statement issued by the UN Information Centre, Guterres expressed his appreciation to Najat Maalla M’jid, his Special Representative on Violence against Children. She served in the position in an interim capacity until Frazer formally assumed her duties.
Fraser has extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy, crisis management, and international consensus-building. She also has a proven track record of advocating for children’s issues and mediating complex global negotiations between parties to conflict.
During her career, Frazer played a pivotal role in chairing the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. She presided over the Council on a rotating basis in February 2023 and April 2024. She also served as a facilitator of the Council’s discussions on the Iranian nuclear issue (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). In addition, she chaired the 1267 Sanctions Committee on ISIS.
As an advocate for the Group of Ten elected members of the Security Council, she played a prominent role in shaping international positions on humanitarian crises. Her efforts focused on ensuring the protection of children affected by war and armed conflict.
Frazer also served as Vice-President of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly and Chair of the Economic and Financial Committee, becoming the first woman to lead an all-female office in the history of the United Nations. This office remains the only one of its kind to date.
