Palestinian children are being slaughtered as we celebrate World Children's Day
Pakistan
Domestic violence and lack of protection in Pakistan mean they face the consequences forever
LAHORE (Web Desk/Dunya News) – Under the theme “For Every Child, Every Right”, people in Pakistan and around the globe are celebrating the World Children’s Day today (Nov 20), as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure the well-being and rights of every child, regardless of their circumstances.
However, the day coincides with Israel’s barbarianism, targeting the innocent Palestinian children, which is resulting in thousands of deaths. Many of these children are either maimed or have been orphaned.
The remaining ones are traumatised, seeing their entire families wiped out, as the powerful governments around the world are either backing Israel or acting as silent spectators.
ISRAELI WAR CRIMES
Israel was committing the worst crimes against humanity with absolutely no consequences for its actions, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Israel continues to indulge in the worst crimes against humanity with absolutely no consequences for its actions. The principal proof of the Israeli war crimes is the killing of over 4000 Palestinian children in cold blood. This is the largest number of children killed in one…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 20, 2023
“The principal proof of the Israeli war crimes is the killing of over 4000 Palestinian children in cold blood. This is the largest number of children killed in one year than in all the recent conflicts put together.
“On World Children's Day today, the international community should ask itself some hard questions. The deafening silence of those advocating Israel's ‘right to self-defence’, as innocent Palestinian children are being massacred on daily basis, is heart-breaking,” he said about the sad state of affairs when it comes to the world’s passive reaction or lack of action.
On the other hand, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply shocked that two schools run by the UNRWA – the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees – were struck in less than 24 hours in Gaza.
I am deeply shocked that 2 @UNRWA schools were struck in less than 24 hours in Gaza.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 19, 2023
Dozens of people – many women & children – were killed & injured as they were seeking safety in @UN premises.
I reaffirm that our premises are inviolable.
“I reaffirm that our premises are inviolable,” he said while condemning the killing of dozens of people – mostly women and children who seeking safety in the UN premises.
‘FOR EVERY CHILD, EVERY RIGHT’
This year’s theme underscores the imperative to address the diverse needs of children worldwide, emphasising that every child deserves access to fundamental rights including education, healthcare, protection from exploitation, and access to a nurturing environment.
It resonates with the ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable world for children, encouraging individuals and organizations to reflect on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.
As the world unites to celebrate World Children’s Day, the focus must remain on fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and flourish, ensuring a brighter and more promising future for the younger generation.
Meanwhile, the annual celebrations come as the children in Pakistan continue facing or witnessing domestic violence and denial of their basic rights even in the 21st century. Lack of proper grooming and education as well as protection at the family, societal and state levels mean the scars will haunt them for the rest of their life.
PAKISTAN’S RESOURCES AND CHILDREN
In a message, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said children were on the top of the list of those having right to the country’s resources and promised to invest on their education, health and protection after coming into power after the Feb 8 elections.
Citing the children rights enshrined in the 1973 Constitution, he also mentioned that his party’s government in Sindh had taken a variety of steps to ensure provision of basic services to them.
Commenting on the plight of Palestinians, Bilawal said humanity would always remain ashamed of the ongoing slaughter of children in Gaza and West Bank. A Palestinian child was being killed in every 10 minutes, he regretted.
In this regard, the PPP chairman demanded the world community to press for an immediate end to the injustices committed against the Palestinian children.
MESSAGES
In his message on the occasion, President Dr Arif Alvi called upon the relevant government departments, the civil society and the UN agencies to come together and play their constructive role in the national effort to improve the lives of children in Pakistan.
“We believe that social justice and equality are the cornerstones on which the structure of a healthy society is built.”
Similarly, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf highlighted the significance of child rights and said the parliament had always vigorously worked for the welfare and well-being of children.
