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xENOC Bureau statement on continuous massive violations of children rights in Gaza
Date: 24th July 2024
Category:
General measures of implementation, Civil Rights and Freedoms, Violence against children
The Bureau of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) has expressed deep concerns about the ongoing grave violations of children's rights in Gaza amid the protracted conflict. For over six months, children in Gaza have faced unimaginable atrocities, daily violence, injury, and famine, with humanitarian aid struggling to reach those in urgent need.
ENOC’s statement outlines how children in Gaza are being denied their basic rights to life, safety, food, water, housing, education, and healthcare. The conflict has resulted in a dramatic loss of innocent lives, widespread displacement, and severe trauma among children. Over 13,000 child casualties and mass forced displacement highlight the crisis, with many children missing, injured, or killed. One million children are displaced, lacking access to essential resources, and facing constant threats of violence and abuse. The statement describes that psychological trauma is affecting an estimated 17,000 children who have lost or been separated from their parents, with more than 1 million children needing psychological support. Approximately 625,000 school-age children have been deprived of education for the past six months.
The Bureau urgently calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to protect children's lives and ensure the delivery of vital aid. It emphasises that all parties must prioritise children's safety, adhere to international humanitarian law, and work towards sustainable peace that upholds children's rights and dignity. It also calls for immediate and unconditional release of detained children and hostages.
The international community is urged to take swift action to safeguard Palestinian children's lives and rights, ensuring unhindered delivery of food, aid, and life-saving assistance. Increased funding for UN agencies providing on-ground support and security assurances for humanitarian workers is also called for.