Statement on the violence in Israel and Palestine from the Moving Minds Alliance, the Palestinian Network of ECD, the Tunisian Network for ECD, ECPC, ISSA, ANECD, ARNEC, AFECN and ECDAN
October 2023·

An immediate and unconditional cease fire to preserve the lives of children and caregivers and ensure all components of nurturing care are available to them. An end to atrocities and collective punishment against pregnant women, children and caregivers, including the releasing of all children and caregivers into safety. That schools and health facilities be protected.
Children, caregivers and parents must not be deprived of lifesaving necessities including food, water, sanitation, opportunities for play and learning, health care and psychosocial support.
Children must not be separated from their families and caregivers. That all children, caregivers and parents deserve protection from all forms of violence.

That all children, caregivers and parents deserve access to shelters and safe passages. That all children themselves deserve safety and a childhood free from fear. That all children deserve the opportunity to continue learning, connecting with other children, and accessing the basic joys of childhood. That every child deserves a connection with family, caregivers, friends, responsive care, and nurturing environments. As per the Nurturing Care framework access to good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, opportunities for learning and responsive caregiving should be prioritised for families with the youngest children at this time. In addition, a recognition that responsive caregiving is only possible when parents and caregivers safety, security and agency is secured. As a group of organizations and networks committed to the physical and psychological well- being of all children and their families, we see this conflict as failing to uphold this framework for millions of children under attack in Israel and Palestine.

Therefore we demand:
The Moving Minds Alliance and partners call on the world leaders and the international community to bring an immediate end to the ongoing violence and the widespread abuse of children’s rights it is inflicting. We also call upon the international community to ensure that all parents and caregivers wherever they may be are directly supported in a dignified and equitable way in order to ensure children are cared for and protected.