House Speaker Puan Maharani Signs Commitment to Support Child Victims of War in Gaza and Ukraine

Rome, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian House Speaker Puan Maharani has signed a commitment to support child victims of war in Gaza and Ukraine, urging global efforts to uphold children’s rights and protect them from the devastating impact of armed conflicts.

Maharani made the commitment during her visit to Italy, where she participated in the World Leaders’ Summit on Children’s Rights. In a statement issued by her office on Monday, she stressed the need for innovative approaches to safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring a safer world for future generations.

“War is the gravest violation of children’s rights,” Maharani stated, calling on all stakeholders to establish protected safe zones in conflict areas with the support of international humanitarian organizations. She underscored the alarming consequences of armed conflicts, which continue to displace, recruit, and endanger children at an unprecedented scale.

While emphasizing the importance of traditional humanitarian aid, Maharani noted that such efforts alone are insufficient. She advocated for integrating child protection programs within religious and cultural institutions, especially amid increasing geopolitical tensions in regions like Gaza and Ukraine.

She further called on the global community to ensure the provision of shelter, education, and medical assistance for children affected by war. Following the signing of the commitment, Maharani met with child survivors, including Roman Oleksiv, a Ukrainian war survivor, reinforcing the urgent need for action.

Highlighting the plight of child soldiers, she stressed that they should be regarded as victims rather than criminals, calling for investment in rehabilitation programs to facilitate their reintegration into society.

“Education is the most powerful tool for empowering children and addressing exploitation and poverty, particularly among those in war zones, rural areas, and refugee camps,” she stated, emphasizing the need to reach marginalized children through innovative education initiatives.

Maharani concluded by reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to advocating for children’s rights on the international stage, stressing that global solidarity is crucial in ensuring a safer future for children affected by war.