Indonesia, Save the Children Discuss Palestinian Children at UN Forum

The flags of Indonesia and Palestine. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Indonesia, in collaboration with Save the Children, on 14 August 2020, initiated a virtual meeting with a theme of “Danger is Our Reality”.

The meeting, which was attended by member states of the United Nations (UN), discussed the fate of Palestinian children as a result of Israeli occupation in the West Bank.

“Children are the most vulnerable victims of occupation and conflict in the Palestinian territories, which demands the responsibility of the international community to find solutions for their future,” said Indonesian Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani.

Furthermore, Ambassador Djani reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to continue to fight for peace in Palestine, including overcoming the suffering of Palestinian children. For this reason, parallel political and humanitarian solutions are needed.

Also present as speakers were Director of Save the Children in Lebanon Jennifer Moorehead, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Palestine Jamie McGoldrick, and representatives of Palestinian children.

In a discussion focusing on the educational aspect, Palestinian children shared their bad experiences, including violence against teachers and students, vandalism of school buildings, and the arrest of children.

Meanwhile, other speakers underlined the difficulties in accessing education due to the Israeli occupation. This challenge is further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UN and UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) continue to support Palestine in various fields including education, health, and funding to Palestine. Israel’s annexation, restriction, and aggressive expansion continue to cause suffering.

“It is necessary for all parties to continuously encourage the improvement of the conditions of Palestinian children, especially access to education, due to Israeli actions,” the Ambassador concluded. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs/EN)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Mia M. Bonaedy