Conflict Resolution Center launches a quarter-million signature campaign against the sexual exploitation of children in the Gaza governorates

Gaza, Publication and Information Unit:
The Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution launched the quarter-million signature campaign against the sexual exploitation of children in the Gaza governorates, with the participation of 200 volunteers at the start of June, within the project for protecting children from sexual exploitation and with funding from the European Union.

In this connection, the coordinator of the project for protecting children from sexual exploitation, Najat Al-Jubeiri, explained that the quarter-million signature campaign against sexual exploitation comes at a time when we observe an increase in cases of harassment of and assault on children in several governorates. She pointed out that the Centre, in coordination with a number of partner organisations and in cooperation with the media, will work to increase public awareness and education in order to provide a safe environment and protection for children and their families.

For his part, the coordinator for the south on the project for protecting children from exploitation, Raed Saada, explained that this event is being held in all the Gaza governorates to mobilise society against sexual exploitation and to rally as many advocates as possible for children's rights and to influence decision-makers to take severe measures against those who cause harm to our children. He added: "A large number of children are taking part in the campaign alongside the volunteers who will collect signatures during this month, given their expected positive effect on people and in encouraging them to sign and to respond to children's demands for the means of protection from exploitation in the future."

It is worth noting that the Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution has carried out a number of signature campaigns, among them the million-signature campaign in support of the national reconciliation document and the signature campaigns against violence against women, to mobilise and advocate for national issues and to influence decision-makers in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.