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ACFID passes resolution for further child protection amidst Gaza conflict, with over 16,000 lives lost

Oct 24, 2024 | Media Releases

At the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for humanitarian agencies, ACFID’s Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the Australian Government to, now more than ever use its influence on the global stage to pressure states to always act to protect children in conflict and preserve their rights. 

ACFID also urges the Australian Government to ensure that accountability by states is guaranteed where international humanitarian law and the protection of children is breached.  

The United Nations verified 32,990 grave violations against children in 2023 – the highest since mandated monitoring began. In Gaza alone, the health ministry has reported 16,456 children have been killed in the last year.  

“Every child has the right to safety, especially in times of war. The violations we witness today are a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law, which is designed to safeguard our most vulnerable” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian Lead.  

“This rise in violence against children highlights our urgent responsibility to act and we must hold states accountable,” said Ms. Brooks. 

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact ACFID Media at 0401 721 064 or at [email protected]  

Background:  

ACFID is made up of Australian not-for-profit organisations dedicated to international aid and development, collectively referred to as the ACFID Council.  

The Council convenes an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at least once each financial year, where representatives from member organisations come together to steer the council’s strategic direction and uphold high ethical standards in the sector. During the AGM, members engage in voting on commitments related to resolutions, ensuring collective commitment to shared goals. 

A resolution within this context represents a deliberate policy position aimed at driving meaningful change across the humanitarian and development sectors.  ACFID’s goal is to ensure that these resolutions translate into actionable initiatives that have a real impact. 

 

 

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