A child looks on as his family prepares a fast-breaking iftar meal in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on March 11, 2025 during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)
Geneva: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urged the international community on Thursday to intensify efforts and adopt tangible measures to protect Palestinian children, ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, and prevent future violations against them.
In a statement delivered during the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva Ambassador Naser Abdullah Al Hayen highlighted the severe violations faced by Palestinian children as a glaring example of the lack of an effective global response to protecting children's rights during crises.
Speaking as Chair of the GCC Ambassadors Council, Al Hayen expressed the GCC countries' regret over the fragile conditions experienced by children in many regions, especially in times of humanitarian crises, conflicts, and natural disasters, where their rights face direct threats.
He also warned of ongoing risks to children's physical, mental, and health well-being, such as malnutrition, disease outbreaks, disruptions to education, and other long-term damages.
He emphasized the GCC's commitment to participating in international initiatives aimed at protecting children and ensuring the provision of aid, particularly during crises.
The ambassador underscored the GCC's vision of investing in quality healthcare, proper nutrition, early education, and creating safe, healthy environments for children to grow while respecting their rights fully. He described these efforts as an urgent necessity requiring strengthened international commitment at all levels.
