Ministry of Social Development Condemns the Exploitation of Children in Media Campaign Violating Their Rights

The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development strongly condemned the exploitation of children in the media campaign targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), emphasizing that this exploitation constitutes a violation of children's rights and contravenes both local and international laws that protect children.

The Ministry explained that the use of children in media campaigns, regardless of political motives or the context in which they occur, violates international agreements ratified by the State of Palestine, primarily the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Ministry stressed that such practices are inconsistent with the fundamental principles outlined in Palestinian law, which prohibits the exploitation of children for political and media purposes.

The Ministry also highlighted that this type of exploitation contradicts the guidelines of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which prohibits the use of children in media campaigns that may expose them to psychological and physical harm, and which go against the best interests of the child.

Furthermore, the Ministry pointed out that this campaign is part of the ongoing Israeli occupation policy aimed at undermining the work of UNRWA and its role in supporting Palestinian refugees, including undermining their basic rights, such as the right to education and essential services.

In conclusion, the Ministry reaffirmed the importance of coordination with international institutions to ensure the necessary measures are taken to stop these violations and protect Palestinian children's rights. It also emphasized the need to protect children from media exploitation, while ensuring their right to education and a dignified life.