On World Children's Day, celebration is not enough; certain statistics are alarming:
- UN: Nearly 250 million children and adolescents worldwide are out of school
- More than 400 million children globally live in multifaceted poverty, lacking at least two essentials: food and sanitation.
- The Lancet: A reduction in development aid may lead to the deaths of 4.5 million children under the age of five by 2030
- Recently, the UNICEF estimates indicate that aid cuts could force 6 million children out of school by next year.
These statistics raise a warning, urging us to take responsibility. Every child has the ultimate right to live safely, learn, and receive unconditional love and respect. Children's rights extend far beyond play and fun; they include:
- The right to get good education;
- The right to get healthcare to ensure healthy growth and the strength to face life's challenges;
- The right to guarantee absolute protection from all forms of violence, neglect, and exploitation so that they may live in a safe and supportive environment.
With every celebration of a child's smile, the human conscience cannot ignore the harsh reality that world's children face. Therefore, we raise our voices and send our heartfelt prayers to the children of Gaza, Sudan, and the Rohingya, and to every child who suffers the ravages of war, armed conflicts, and displacement. The right of these children to enjoy security, peace, and tranquility is not merely a wish, but the highest priority that the entire world must address, working to transform these calls into real actions that put an end to that suffering.
For those who suffer, we say, “We wholeheartedly pray to Allah to relieve your suffering until peace prevails….May Allah protect children around the world and grant them the future they deserve.”