Over 130 organizations unite to protect children in war
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Geneva: 22 September 2025
Faith leaders, UN agencies, and civil society demand urgent protection and peace for 473 million children trapped in conflict zones.
On the International Day of Peace, faith leaders, UN agencies, and civil society organizations joined forces to call for urgent action to protect children currently living in conflict zones. Their united voices were amplified through the global campaign “Stand Up for Children in War – Mobilizing Communities for Consciousness, Hope, and Ethical Responses.” This historic appeal will culminate with the launch of a joint Statement of Ethical Commitment to Stand Up for Children in War on 22 September 2025, endorsed by more than 130 organizations as of today.
The campaign responds to a stark reality: 473 million children live in conflict zones today, 48.8 million have been displaced, and in 2024, the United Nations verified 41,370 grave violations against children, the highest number recorded in the past 25 years.
“These are not just statistics. These are lives destroyed, childhoods stolen, children’s dreams and hopes killed. Every war is a war against children. We cannot remain passive and silent. We must stop the war on children,” said Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, UN special representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children.
The joint statement calls on governments and religious leaders worldwide to:
- Declare an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in all conflict zones.
- Uphold international law to protect children from violence and ensure their right to safety, education, and health.
- Safeguard humanitarian corridors and defend schools, hospitals, and sacred spaces.
- Strengthen accountability and end impunity for grave violations against children.
- Use their moral and spiritual voice to raise consciousness, challenge the normalization of violence, and mobilize communities for peace.
- Create safe spaces for children’s voices and collaborate across faiths, governments, and civil society to provide coordinated responses.
“Despite our aspirations to protect children, the world is moving further into division and conflict. Children are suffering more than ever, and it is urgent that we transform commitments into concrete actions that bring real change,” said Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, president of Arigatou International.
The statement highlights that behind every statistic is a child robbed of their future.
“I wish religious leaders and all communities would stand with us. To listen to our voices and try to protect us. To teach people love instead of hate. To bring everyone together, no matter their religion or background, and let us live together in peace. We children want to see actions, not just words.” Rakan, a child from Palestine.
Faith communities emphasized their ethical responsibility to demand an end to the war on children. “People of faith have a key role to play in demanding the protection of children in war, ensuring humanitarian access to affected communities, and insisting on accountability for all violations, especially those impacting children and their futures,” said Rev. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary, World Council of Churches.
This global mobilization reflects a united moral call: every child deserves peace, dignity, and protection — and the time to act is now.
We choose conscience over indifference, hope over despair, and ethical action over silence. Together, we must STAND UP for children in war.
Click here to read the full statement and the list of signatories.
Contact: Ms. Eleonora Mura, Head of Partnerships and External Relations, Arigatou International.
Email: e.mura@arigatouinternational.org
