In Gaza, we are confronted with a sobering truth: war destroys education far quicker than our collective capacity to rebuild schools and educational systems.
The Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC) programme, founded over a decade ago on humanitarian values and the rule of law, is resolute in advocating for the fundamental right to education for every child and youth amidst conflict. PEIC believes unequivocally that each and every human life is precious and that protecting civilians and civilian spaces during war is an ethical and legal duty on us all. Underpinning PEIC’s mandate is an unwavering commitment to upholding international law, particularly in conflict.
We, as PEIC and the EAA Youth Advocates, join the call to Stop the War on Gaza.
We join the global demands in streets, assemblies, universities and by leaders across the world for the immediate end to hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access.
We recall the words of Nelson Mandela that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
We call for the sanctity and protection of schools as shelters, places of learning, and where children are safe to play. We call on the international community to come together in support of reconstruction and relief efforts.
As youth advocates, the prospect of innocent lives being massacred is a deeply disturbing and heart-wrenching reality. It is our fervent hope and mission to prevent such tragedies, to protect the lives of the vulnerable, and to ensure that the voices of those who have been silenced are heard.
Looking forward, our vision as PEIC and EAA Youth Advocates, is to work for justice for victims and sustainable peace, by upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for breaches of international law. For we know that there can be no peace without justice. We remain committed to amplifying the voices of those most vulnerable and subject to the devastating ramifications of disrupted access to education borne by attacks on critical infrastructure.
Every child and learner's life is invaluable, and the protection of civilians during war is a moral and legal imperative.
Signed, PEIC and EAA Youth Advocates:
- Amr Ramadan
- Al Dana Al Thani
- Khalid Al-Kuwari
- Charles Falajiki
- Dhabya Al-Malki
- Kyra Zee Sales
- Mohamed Falfoul
- Nawaal akram
- Noof Al Jefairi
- Shaikha Al-Marri
- Fairuz Yosef Issa
- Hana Elshehaby
- Moza Al-Hajri
- Vikram Ghandeeswaran Narayanan
- Fatima Al-Naemi
- Oweis Al-Salahi
- Lujain Al Mansoori
- Abd Alghani Almawaldi
- Mohammed Al-Qassabi
- Najoud Al Jefairi
- Abdulaziz Al Sulaiti
- Abdulrahman Dhamran
- Ahmed Mohamed
- Ali Fakhroo
- Aljazi Al Henzab
- Asmin Kiza
- Ayan Said
- Noor Al Kawari
- Moza Al Thani
- Salwa Al Kuwari
- Kenneth Mulinde
- Sara Kassab
- Khemara Chhorn
- Ishmael Kamara
- Natalie Magness
- Tahani Yaghshi
- Jimmie Chengo
- Ajlan Al Kaabi
- Asna Siddiqui
- Noor Al Qaedi
- Shawgi Nawal
- Bisher Dayani
- Fatema Abbas
- Noor Al Ismail