As the world observes World Children’s Rights Day on November 20, the Orphan Foundation has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing violations of children’s rights, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza.

The foundation emphasized that despite the United Nations’ 1989 adoption of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these fundamental rights are still being violated, especially in many Islamic geographies.

Murat Yılmaz, Chairman of the Orphan Foundation, reminded the global community that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted to protect the inherent rights of children to education, healthcare, safety, life, and protection from abuse. Yet, according to Yılmaz, many children around the world, particularly in war-torn regions such as Gaza, are being denied even the basic right to life, let alone their other essential rights.

“Today, in many oppressed geographies—including Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, East Turkistan, Syria, Ukraine, Kashmir, Arakan, and parts of Africa, Asia, and South America—children are being deprived of their right to safety, food, healthcare, and education,” said Yılmaz. He highlighted the stark contrast in how children are treated in conflict zones compared to those living in more prosperous and peaceful nations.

The Orphan Foundation’s statement also shed light on the grave humanitarian crisis affecting children in conflict and disaster zones, with over 450 million children globally struggling to survive in such conditions. Yılmaz also pointed to the growing number of children classified as "social orphans"—those in need of attention, care, and love, despite having living parents. This group has now surpassed 1 billion children worldwide, many of whom face neglect, abuse, or the trauma of war and displacement.

In response to this global crisis, the Orphan Foundation is organizing a symposium at Boğaziçi University on November 23, 2024, to raise awareness about the plight of social orphans. The event will feature academics and experts in the field, and aims to encourage the international community to take responsibility in ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a safe, healthy, and compassionate environment.

In closing, Yılmaz reiterated the foundation's commitment to giving a voice to social orphans, stating, "Every child deserves a good education, a healthy life, a safe social environment, and the love and compassion of their community." He expressed hope that the observance of World Children’s Rights Day will serve as a reminder to all that the future of humanity lies in the well-being of its youngest members. The foundation continues to strive for a world where every child can thrive and live the life they truly deserve.

For more information or to get involved, the Orphan Foundation invites all to join the Social Orphanhood Symposium on November 23, 2024, at Boğaziçi University, where experts will shed light on the challenges faced by children around the world. (ILKHA)