Doha, September 18 (QNA) – A group of prominent international figures, including HH Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation (EAA) and member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocates Group Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, issued a joint statement calling for urgent action to end ongoing violations against children and education systems in crisis areas.
The statement comes amid escalating challenges facing education in conflict zones worldwide and marks the sixth anniversary of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
It reflects a unified stance on the deteriorating state of education, described as the worst year in the lives of children in conflict areas, and highlights the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and other conflict hot spots globally.
The statement was signed by several distinguished global figures, including HE spouse of the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mirela Besirovic; HE spouse of the President of the Republic of Colombia Veronica del Socorro Alcocer Garcia; HE spouse of the President of the Republic of The Gambia Fatoumata Bah-Barrow; HE spouse of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Fatima Maada Bio; and HE spouse of the President of Turkey Emine Erdogan.
Also among the signatories were HRH President of the Petra National Trust and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage Princess Dana Firas; HE spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; and HE former Prime Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf.
The statement stressed that the tragic situation of children in conflict zones is worsening at an alarming rate, noting that this year has been devastating for children who have been killed, starved, injured, or deprived of their basic human rights, foremost among them the right to education.
It pointed out that attacks on children’s education continue in countries such as Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Colombia, as well as other regions around the world, emphasizing that these grave violations of international law are not new.
The statement underscored that the situation in Gaza is a stark example of these violations, where genocide against civilians, including children, continues, accompanied by systematic starvation and forced displacement. It also described an education genocide through the deliberate and widespread destruction of the Palestinian education system, including libraries and universities, as part of a strategy aimed at undermining the intellectual, cultural, and social fabric of the Strip.
The statement affirmed that the international community is increasingly aware of the gravity of the situation in Gaza, noting the growing number of voices condemning blatant violations of international law and calling for justice.
The signatories concluded by affirming their commitment to join international efforts to end these violations and pledged continued support for educational opportunities for children and assistance in their journey of recovery and learning. (QNA)
