UN official: We cannot remain silent in the face of occupation crimes against Gaza's children

The UN Special Representative on Violence against Children, Najat Maalla M'jid, warned of the increasing exposure of children to multiple forms of violence and exploitation, stressing that the loss of childhood and psychological harm suffered by Palestinian children is "unacceptable," and called for accountability of perpetrators of violations.

The UN Special Representative on Violence against Children, Najat Maalla M'jid, warned that food insecurity, displacement, economic crises, and armed conflicts are increasing children's exposure to multiple forms of violence and exploitation, including early marriage, child labor, and recruitment into criminal activities. M'jid stated that what Palestinian children are experiencing, from the loss of their childhood to the psychological damage they suffer, is "unacceptable," stressing the need to hold perpetrators of violations accountable, including those belonging to UN member states. Her remarks came during a press briefing at UN headquarters in New York, dedicated to presenting her annual report to the General Assembly, coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the UN World Study on Violence against Children. She estimated the number of children displaced due to conflicts, natural disasters, and the climate crisis at about 45 million, noting that one in five children currently lives in extreme poverty. She emphasized that investment in mental health and psychological well-being must include prevention and strengthening children's resilience.