RÛBARÎN BEKIR

Shahba- The Office of Child Protection, affiliated to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria(AANES) Women’s Council started a campaign on August 21 to provide psychological, social and health support to children in North and East Syria. The aim of the campaign that will last until November 19 aims to build a conscious society that will develop children's talents.

The AANES passed the Child Protection Law in 2022, protecting children from all forms of oppression and violence during armed conflict.

Impact of war on children’s rights

In an interview with NuJINHA, Rihab Cebbu, director of the Office of Child Protection, talked about the impact of war on children’s rights, stressing that the 13-year Syrian crisis has deprived children of their rights. “During wars, children are subjected to all forms of violence. Therefore, urgent measures must be taken to protect children.”

Cultural challenges and awareness-raising activities

Speaking about the traditions affecting society in the region, she said that these traditions had a negative impact on the protection of children's rights. “Such cultural challenges prevent children’s voices from being heard. The Women’s Council organizes various education activities to raise awareness about children’s rights in society and promote the protection of children’s rights. Children have the right to education; however, the ongoing Syrian crisis has deprived many children of their right to education.”

Rihab Cebbu also talked about the ongoing siege imposed by the Syrian government on Shehba. “This siege has great effects on children's education.”

 The campaign aims to increase the number of kindergartens, provide support to working mothers and organize activities for children. As part of the campaign, informational brochures are distributed to raise awareness about children's rights in society.

The members of the Women’s Council regularly visit families and schools to monitor the situation of children. They also collect data on child labor and develop programs to reintegrate these children back into school. “Children are the fundamental building block in the construction of the future. The protection and education of children is a must to build a free and democratic society.”

The council will keep organizing activities to protect children and raise awareness about children’s rights in society.