Writing for Rights: Mau’men, 14, Syrian
Letter to the United Nations:
Most of the people are aware of the United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts and the humanitarian support to underdeveloped countries. However, it is not the case when it comes to the various ways that the UN directly affects our lives, all over the world.
After several years of the Syrian conflict, we find that the children are the most affected ones.
Despite the fact that the United Nations and its institutions operate daily and without interruption, collectively and individually for the protection of human rights, strengthening the protection of the environment, assisting the advancement of children’s rights, combating epidemics, famine and poverty, this is not enough.
After several years of the Syrian conflict, we find that the children are the most affected ones.
The bloody violence in Syria continues for the fourth year, and still a whole generation of Syrian children is suffering from the brutal atrocities. In neighbouring countries more than 1.2 million children are struggling to survive as refugees, having no security and a lot of social tensions and educational barriers; nevertheless, these children are determined to survive for the sake of themselves, their friends and families.
The main reason that pushes children away from schools and education leading to child labour and begging is the need of their parents and their younger siblings for the money and school necessities. Also the racism by the society towards Syrian children has caused them psychological problems and made them introverts, destroyed their feelings and ruined their childhood. They were deprived of many of their rights, mainly the right to study and the right to play.
In the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, we the Syrian children ask the United Nations:
- That the host countries provide legal assistance (facilities) for child refugees in these countries so they can move freely and assist them in securing basic needs including food, water, accommodation, education and employment opportunities
- That the host communities treat child refugees better and accept us until this crisis will end
- In the end, we hope that every child can enjoy the rights that were deprived from him or her and that we go back to our country safe [in order] to live a free and dignified life that enables us to build our future.
Yours, Mau’men, 14-years-old, Syrian