High-level event in Geneva to Stand Up for Children in War
A high-level meeting with representatives from over 20 permanent missions took place in Geneva on Monday, 22 September, as part of the Stand Up for Children in War campaign and to mark the International Day of Peace.
The event opened with a sharing of the current grave situation: over half of the world’s displaced population is children, according to the 2024 UN Report on Armed Conflict and Children, which also shows that sexual violence, family separation, trafficking, and abuse are all rising to alarming levels.
Amid not only conflict but also a lack of funding and extreme weather events, the gathering called for action, investment, and political will.
Arigatou International president Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, via a video message, noted that children are our future and a precious asset. “It is therefore urgent that we intensify our prayers and our actions, and call on the international community to protect children,” he said.
Those gathered observed a moment of silence for children who have been killed in conflict.
