Statement by Dereje Wordofa, President of SOS Children’s Villages International

One year has passed since the heartbreaking attack on Israel and the escalation of the Gaza War. We are reminded of the devastating toll this violent conflict has taken along with the continued tragedy of loss of life and limb. On behalf SOS Children’s Villages International, I urgently call for a ceasefire, for civilians to be protected – particularly children who must be safeguarded – and for all hostages held in Gaza to be returned safely to their families.

The consequences of the war and its aftermath on children is immense. In the attack on Oct. 7 and the war that followed, thousands have lost parents, family members, and the very foundation of their safety. According to the UN, at least 17,000 children in Gaza are unaccompanied or separated from their parents, a staggering 1% of the displaced population of 1.7 million. Similarly, reports from the International Rescue Committee reveal the grim reality: between 15,000 and 19,000 children have had their parents killed and have no adult to care for them, and more than 10,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—are missing. The expansion of hostilities is creating an even greater catastrophe in the region, with the attacks in Lebanon killing and injuring children at an alarming rate.

These disturbing numbers reflect a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable scale. Unfortunately, the sufferings are often reduced to statistics i.e., counting deaths, injuries, and displacements. However, behind these numbers lies the untold suffering of every child, woman, man, and elderly, whose individual stories of pain and loss are difficult to fully capture. What’s often overlooked is the deep, long-term trauma to children on both sides of any given conflict that spans generations, silently shaping lives long after the immediate violence ends.

This profound anguish among Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese children goes beyond figures, leaving scars that may never heal. It is essential that we not only address the immediate crisis but also recognize and respond to the enduring emotional and psychological wounds left in its wake. Children’s mental health is at risk, and their voices must be heard if we are to help them build emotional resilience.

Globally, the effects of armed conflict on children are catastrophic, and Gaza is no exception. In war-torn areas, children’s lives are shattered as they face relentless violations of their rights. Residential areas have been mercilessly bombarded, tearing families apart and leaving children in constant danger. Children who lose parental care amid conflict and war are the among most vulnerable, facing greater risks of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

The rights of children, as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, are being grossly violated. These include the right to life, survival, development, education, protection from violence and abuse, and access to essential healthcare and nutrition. We call on all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights, especially those protecting children.

To save the lives of children caught in warzones, we must ensure safe humanitarian access, including food, water, shelter, medical care, trauma treatment, and psychosocial support. There is only one durable solution: the international community must take decisive action, intensifying diplomatic efforts to bring an end to this conflict and current escalations in the region. War has no place in the lives of children, anywhere. An immediate ceasefire is imperative. The time to act is now.