June 04th, 2026

A Powerful Statement for the Rights of Children

​The world is failing to protect the fundamental rights of children. Every day, we witness children suffering, being injured, traumatized, displaced, and killed in armed conflicts across different regions of the world, including the Middle East and Ukraine. No political goal, military objective, ideology, or claim of power can ever justify the suffering or death of a child.

​As a representative of the World Children & Youth Physical Education Academy, I call on governments, international institutions, humanitarian organizations, and all people of conscience to defend the rights of every child without exception.

Children are not targets. Children are not weapons. Children are not collateral damage.

​Every child has the inherent right to live, to be safe, to receive education, to play, to grow, and to dream about the future. These rights are not negotiable. They are protected by international law and by our shared humanity.

​Those responsible for grave violations against children, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, must be investigated through lawful international processes and held accountable. Justice must be pursued wherever evidence exists, regardless of nationality, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. No individual should be above the law when children are harmed.

​We demand immediate and effective protection for children in all conflict zones. We demand humanitarian access, medical care, food, shelter, education, and safety for every child affected by war. We demand that the international community place the lives and well-being of children above political interests and military calculations.

A civilization that cannot protect its children is failing its most sacred responsibility.

​The children of the world do not belong to armies, governments, or political movements. They belong to humanity.

Every child has the right to live on Earth.
​Every child has the right to a future.
Every child has the right to peace.

​Let the voices of children be heard above the noise of war. Let justice prevail over violence. Let humanity choose life.

Protect the children. Defend their rights. Uphold justice.
Give every child the chance to live, grow, and thrive in peace.

Timo Virtanen 
Founder of Everybody is important project 21.08.1995
World Children & Youth Physical Education Academy 
European Children & Youth physical Education Academy
www.cype-academy.org
www.europecype-academy.org