The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Children are particularly vulnerable and severely affected under the current circumstances. In light of this, the Swedish Government has decided to allocate SEK 10 million to Save the Children’s efforts in Gaza.
“Humanitarian suffering in Gaza is enormous and the children of Gaza in particular are living in a nightmare. We’re hearing stories of children who are starving, seeing their homes disappear and losing their families. This not only creates urgent humanitarian needs, but trauma for life. Children have the right to special protection in war, which is why we’re allocating SEK 10 million to Save the Children’s activities in Gaza,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
“Innocent children are hit hardest in war, and the war in Gaza is no exception. The best interests of children must always come first, even in war situations. It’s therefore positive that Save the Children can provide humanitarian support as well as child-friendly spaces and psychosocial support to children in Gaza,” says Minister for Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönwall.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is horrific and increased support must be prioritised. Humanitarian assistance must reach the most vulnerable, especially children,” says Joar Forssell, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party.
“Humanitarian assistance should go to those who need it most and be managed by actors who ensure it ends up in the right place. Save the Children is one of them. With this package, we will be able to help children who are suffering and severely affected by a horrific war,” says Gudrun Brunegård, development assistance policy spokesperson for the Christian Democrats.
Swedish support to Save the Children will help to secure life-saving supplies such as shelter, water and health and medical care. It is also about providing psychosocial support for children at Save the Children’s child-friendly spaces and education at the organisation’s temporary learning centres.