IPNEd backs IPU call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
The escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip is having a catastrophic impact on children and families. © UNICEF / El Baba
Speaking from the International Parliamentary Union’s 148th Assembly in Geneva Switzerland, the Executive Director of the International Parliamentary Network for Education, Joseph Nhan-O’Reilly welcomed the call by IPU President the Hon. Dr Tulia Ackson and Secretary General Martin Chungong for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The IPU statement reads as follows:
In view of the worsening situation in Gaza, we call for urgent action to alleviate the suffering of the people in the region, including women, children and the elderly, who have been caught up in the fighting.
On behalf of the global parliamentary community, we call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
We reiterate our demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
We appeal to the relevant authorities on all sides to expand the flow of essential humanitarian aid to reach those in need in Gaza.
We reiterate our utter condemnation of any violence against civilians and stress the need for respect for international humanitarian law.
Mr Nhan-O’Reilly added, “We are gravely concerned about the impact of the conflict on children and on their right to education in particular.”
“Education is an essential protective factor that children need to mitigate against the risk of lasting mental harm, yet according to data from the OPT Education Cluster 625,000 children have not been in school for nearly 6 months.”
“Furthermore a second assessment of school damage through the use of satellite imagery published yesterday shows that 79.8% of all school buildings have been destroyed or sustained damage.”
“An immediate ceasefire as demanded by the UN Security Council and supported by parliaments across the world must be followed by action to ensure:
unfettered access to enable the massive scale-up of the humanitarian response, including life-saving education and mental health support that is needed.
through diplomatic and political leverage, respect of international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including by urging all parties involved to respect their obligations, including ceasing all attacks on schools.
Funding for education in emergencies and psychological support within the first phase of the humanitarian response by providing immediate, cross sectoral lifesaving resources to caregivers, communities and partners to support children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive safety and wellbeing.”
