Child Protection Office in Syria’s Kobani Calls for Accountability Over Child Massacres
By Kardo Roj
KOBANI, Syria (North Press) – The Child Protection Office in Syria’s Kobani urged the international community and human rights organizations on Monday to prosecute those responsible for atrocities against children. The call follows the death of two children and the injury of a woman in Turkish shelling near the town of Ain Issa in northern Raqqa on Sunday.
In a statement delivered at the “Future Flowers” kindergarten in Kobani, the office emphasized the moral and humanitarian responsibility to protect children and ensure they live in safe environments with dignity and freedom.
Turkish Shelling and Civilian Impact
The tragic incident near Ain Issa is part of ongoing Turkish military operations in northern and eastern Syria. The shelling targeted civilian areas, according to local sources, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Child Protection Office accused Turkish forces and their affiliated armed factions of violating international laws and conventions, deliberately targeting children and civilians in what it described as a systematic campaign of violence.
The statement declared, “This massacre is just one of a series of crimes committed by the Turkish occupation against children and civilians who have fought terrorism on behalf of the entire world.”
International Call to Action
The office appealed to global powers to fulfill their obligations under international agreements and treaties aimed at safeguarding children’s rights. It stressed that millions of children in northern Syria live under the shadow of war, enduring the loss of their families, homes, and futures due to relentless violence.
The statement read, “Protecting children is a moral and humanitarian duty that falls on everyone. Children deserve to live in safe environments free from violence and terror.”
Broader Context of Violence Against Children
The Child Protection Office highlighted the dire conditions faced by children in conflict zones, pointing to the deliberate targeting of civilians as a violation of international humanitarian law. “Children bear the heaviest burden of violence,” the statement said, adding that the destruction of homes and communities has left many families in ruins.
Human rights groups have repeatedly called for investigations into Turkish military actions in northern Syria, citing reports of indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas. Despite these efforts, accountability remains elusive, leaving many children vulnerable to ongoing violence.
A Plea for Justice and Peace
The office’s statement concluded with a strong plea for justice, demanding that the international community take decisive action to hold Turkey accountable for its actions in northern Syria. It also called for increased efforts to protect children and create conditions for a peaceful and secure future.
The tragedy in Ain Issa underscores the urgent need for a coordinated global response to address the humanitarian crisis in northern Syria and ensure the safety of its youngest and most vulnerable residents.