Tunisia: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) held a conference Monday on Palestinian childhood to discuss Israeli occupation's actions, monitor educational and cultural violations and strengthen protection and resilience mechanisms. The two-day event convenes a broad collection of experts, academics, and Arab and foreign ambassadors accredited to Tunisia.
According to Qatar News Agency, addressing the inaugural session, ALECSO Director Mohamed Ould Amar emphasized that when it comes to Palestinian childhood, it isn't merely about numbers or statistics, but about children who have names, dreams, and ambitions. He stressed the importance of providing a generation entitled to grow up in a secure environment, away from fear, violence, and deprivation.
The Palestinian territories have been gripped by devastating events, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where the educational and cultural systems have suffered profound damage. Ould Amar noted that the fallout from these incidents has marred children, as well as educational and cultural institutions, prompting the Arab and international community to undertake a substantial moral, humanitarian, and legal obligation to protect them, ensure their right to education, and safeguard their cultural memory.
Operating in lockstep with the State of Palestine, Arab nations, and their regional and international partners, ALECSO will continue to support the continuity of education, help protect educational and cultural institutions, and strengthen the resilience of Palestinian children, teachers, and families, Ould Amar stressed.
Overall, the conference aims to highlight the educational, cultural, legal, mental health, and media dimensions, along with abuses against those children. It also seeks to enhance coordination among Palestinian, Arab, and international institutions working to advance education, culture, and child rights.
The gathering aims to create an Arab platform for dialogue and expertise exchange, and present professional certificates and documents to help transition from monitoring and documenting abuses to advancing powerful mechanisms for protection and advocacy, while ensuring continuity of education and addressing learning loss.