As an organization with a 140-year legacy, Kids Forward has stood as a guardian of children’s rights and well-being. We are deeply distressed by the continuing violence affecting children in conflict zones, including the recent tragic events in Gaza. Our stance is unequivocal: violence towards children in any form, under any circumstances, is intolerable.

This is not about political divisions; it is about the universal acknowledgment that the lives of children are sacred. We have no moral compass if we justify the killing of children. Across political and cultural lines, we can unite and take definitive action to protect the youngest and most vulnerable among us.

The horrors of conflict spare no one, especially not children, who are often the unintended victims of actions taken by adults. It is incumbent upon us, as a global community, to reject such outcomes and commit our resources to safeguarding children everywhere.

In every corner of the world, including our communities, we see the consequences of violence, be it through civil unrest, militarized conflicts, or border crises. As an organization and as individuals, we must reflect on our role in these realities and strive for change.

Kids Forward calls upon decision-makers, locally and globally, to prioritize the wellbeing of children above all else. It is time to put an end to the arms trade that fuels wars, to rethink policies that lead to child harm, and to divert our collective energies towards peace and the protection of the young.

We recognize the complex layers of geopolitics, including the involvement of the United States and other powers in global dynamics. However, our focus is clear: the safety and rights of children. We urge our supporters and policymakers to stand with us in this moral imperative.

The challenges are immense, and the paths to peace are difficult. However, we must not lose hope. Our actions can shape the future today, and every effort made toward peace is a step in the right direction for the children who will inherit our world.

Kids Forward remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of children in every region, every day until the scourge of violence against them is eradicated.

We invite our colleagues, partners, and communities to join us in this urgent and essential cause. Together, we can enact change and ensure that every child grows up in a world where their safety, happiness, and freedom are not just aspirations but realities.

Let us be the generation that says “no more” to violence against children and “yes” to a future where every child is valued and protected.