Religious days ahead are an opportunity to protect children from violence

EAST JERUSALEM, 31 March 2022: Religious times during the month of April are an opportunity for tolerance, celebration, respite from hostilities, and above all for the protection of children, wherever they are, from all types of violence.

These holy days are a time for families and communities to come together. It is also the time to reflect on what unites us in humanity, including the hope for a better future for all children and creating the space for them to fulfill their rights and thrive.

The United Nations wishes all people, including religious and community leaders, peaceful holy days ahead. We call on leaders in the State of Palestine and in Israel to turn the month of April into a month of commitment to children and their rights. We call for the safety of children to be preserved, and to protect them from harm and violence at all times.

Children are the greatest resource for the future. They account for over half of the population in both the State of Palestine and in Israel. It is only through children and young people that positive change can be made.

Every child, irrespective of background, race, religion or the circumstances they live under should have an equal chance to fulfil their innate potential.

This statement is also available here in Arabic and Hebrew.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Damian Rance, UNICEF State of Palestine, drance@unicef.org