China's ambassador to the United Nations urged the international community on Monday to make the protection of children in armed conflict a top priority, while condemning acts that target children.

"China strongly condemns all acts that target children and urges parties to conflicts to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect children from the ravages of war, and uphold the minimum bottom line of human conscience," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, told a Security Council meeting.

Attacks on schools are among "the six grave violations against children identified by the UN", and must be met with "strong condemnation and firm opposition", Fu said.

He urged the international community to "intensify investigations and accountability for incidents that harm children and damage schools, and work together to prevent further atrocities".

Fu made the remarks at a meeting themed "Children, Technology and Education in Conflict", chaired by United States first lady Melania Trump, as Washington holds the rotating presidency of the council this month.

Monday's meeting came days after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, including an attack on a girls' elementary school in the country's south that Iranian state media reported killed more than 160 people.

"We are aware of reports from Iran on the death of possibly dozens of children, allegedly the result of a strike that hit an elementary school," Melania said.

Before the meeting, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told reporters that it was "deeply shameful and hypocritical" for the US to host a session on protecting children while launching airstrikes on Iranian cities and bombing schools.

Fu said children are "the most vulnerable and the most in need of protection in armed conflicts".

Conflicts are erupting in many parts of the world, and violations against children have been rising year after year, he said. China "is deeply concerned about the situation", he added.

Foundations of stability

"When children lose their right to education because of conflict, it not only affects their healthy growth but also undermines the foundations of national stability and development," Fu said. He urged the international community to work together to "alleviate the difficulties faced by children in accessing education in conflict-affected areas".

China urges all parties to conflicts to put the interests and well-being of the people first, he said, calling for "an immediate ceasefire and end the fighting and violence, resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, adhere to political solutions to hotspot issues, and strengthen mediation efforts to prevent escalation".

"Promoting sustainable development is the long-term path," Fu said, stressing that "development is the key to breaking the cycle of violence, addressing the root causes of conflict and achieving lasting peace".

"The proper application of technology is an important means," he said, noting that digital tools can "significantly empower education for children affected by conflict". Meanwhile, technology must remain people-centered and avoid politicization and weaponization, he added.