To mark World Children’s Day, the following statement was issued by the Askar Refugee Camps’ Association for Community Development.
On the occasion of World Children’s Day, which marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the children of New Askar Refugee Camp remind the world that their rights are not merely words on paper, but lives that must be protected. Despite being the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, our children continue to face systematic targeting that deprives them of their most basic rights: safety and the right to life.
In recent months, New Askar Camp has bid farewell to several of its child martyrs whose lives were taken by relentless violence: Moataz Madani, Eyad Shalakhti, Mohammad Abu Keshk, and Adel Beshkar. These were children who deserved to dream, to play, and to grow—yet their dreams were cut short by occupation bullets, leaving deep wounds in the hearts of their families and peers.
As Askar Association for Community Development mourns the camp’s children and raises its voice in defense of every Palestinian child, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to creating safe spaces for children and providing comprehensive protection programs. These include psychological and social support, educational and recreational activities, and awareness programs that strengthen their resilience in the face of the harsh realities they endure.
Despite major challenges and limited resources, our Association continues its efforts to protect the children of the camp, empower them, and advocate for their rights in all forums. We believe that protecting Palestinian children is a collective responsibility, and standing with them today is an investment in a more just and dignified future.
On this World Children’s Day, we renew our call to all partners, institutions, and individuals to support our programs aimed at strengthening the resilience of children in New Askar Camp and enabling them to live with dignity and safety.
Mercy to our child martyrs, and freedom to all Palestinian children.
Askar Association will always remain committed to serving its community and defending its children.
Amjad Al-Rafa’i, President, Askar Association for Community Development