Statement on escalating crisis in Gaza and the Middle East
Amid heightened concerns around an escalation in the conflict in the Middle East, we add our voice to the international calls (including by the UN General Assembly) for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The current conflict in Gaza has disproportionately impacted children and young people, who the United Nations estimates make up half of the 1.9 million people displaced. The loss of lives and magnitude of suffering experienced during this conflict will be felt by generations to come.
We want to acknowledge how distressing this time has been for many in our community.
CMY works with young people and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds from all over the world – many of whom carry with them lived experiences of war, trauma, racism, colonisation and displacement. It is these very experiences that shape our work.
The rise in acts of bigotry, hate speech and violence we have seen in Australian communities during this most recent conflict is deeply disturbing, and we’re concerned about its impacts on young people. We strongly condemn all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia, all of which has no place in our multicultural society.
At the heart of CMY, one of our core values is respect for human rights. Our shared humanity drives us in our purpose, to create a society where all young people can live a life where they are connected, feel like they belong and can fully reach their potential.
We reiterate our call alongside many others for the Australian Government to continue its advocacy for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. As a member of the global community, Australia must use its influence to urge all parties to adhere to international Human Rights laws.
In her briefing to the UN Security Council this week, the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, said:
“Time is slipping away as a man-made humanitarian crisis has turned Gaza into the abyss.
It cannot be repeated enough: we need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded, continuous humanitarian access to deliver aid at scale throughout the Gaza Strip.
The continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable.”
The longer this conflict goes on, the greater the sense of despair.
It is at times like these, we look for stories of hope or a way forward – and the source is often young people.
We want to leave you with the words of 23-year-old Sarah Al Shamali from Gaza City, who has been displaced nine times, and lives in a refugee camp. As a volunteer with a local NGO, she says:
“My message to the world is how important it is to strengthen the role of youth in societies, and to invest in their potential. I want to show the world that no circumstances will extinguish the lifeline of hope for our young people.”
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