On the occasion of International Children’s Day, which falls on 20 November, the Palestine Children’s Council – Gaza Strip, established and supported by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), held a press conference and a children’s art exhibition in front of a building destroyed by Israeli occupation forces in Khan Younis Governorate.

In a message the children addressed to the world, they affirmed that despite the Israeli siege and destruction, the children of Gaza continue to draw, dream, and raise their voices to say to the world:

“We are here… We deserve life… We deserve safety.”

The children emphasized that their drawings are not merely lines and colours, but living testimonies. Every colour carries the pulse of life, and every line echoes the cry of a child declaring:

“I want to live… to learn… and to grow up with dignity like all the children of the world.”

The children also extended their greetings to the people around the world who have publicly demonstrated in the streets and public squares in defence of the rights of Gaza’s children, expressing gratitude to everyone who raised their voice and said:

“The children of Gaza are not alone… Humanity is not defined by geography.”

They further thanked all supporters of “Education for Gaza” and everyone contributing to the continuation of Palestinian children’s right to education.

The children affirmed their solidarity with Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, and with Palestinian human rights organisations — the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (which established and supports the Palestine Children’s Council in the Gaza Strip), Al-Haq, and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights — all of whom were subjected to sanctions by the U.S. administration.

The children stressed that imposing sanctions on these institutions for their courageous defence of human rights contradicts the values of justice and international law. They affirmed that protecting those who document the truth is a moral duty and that punishing human rights defenders sets a dangerous precedent that must not be ignored.

The children raised clear demands, including:

First: Calling on children around the world to write letters to decision-makers in their countries, urging them to uphold international law, stop the ongoing crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, protect children in Palestine, and hold those responsible for violations against civilians accountable.

Second: Addressing an appeal to the children of the United States and their friends to write letters to the U.S. administration demanding the immediate lifting of sanctions imposed on Francesca Albanese and the human rights organisations, and to protect all those working for justice without fear or political pressure.

The children stressed that such letters are not mere words — they are voices which, when united, have the power to change the world.