LAHORE (Hayat News): On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29, two Pakistani siblings, Ubaydah al-Fiddhah Hafiah (10) and her brother Ghulam Bishar Hafi (12), have dedicated their prestigious international awards to the children of Gaza. These young advocates highlighted the plight of children trapped in conflict zones, including Gaza, Congo, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Syria, drawing attention to the unprecedented violence endured by innocent victims worldwide.
The siblings, honored by the UN-KAKHTAH Postdoctoral DRR Multiversity, gained recognition for their bold and symbolic act of writing protest notes and an open letter in their own blood. Their heartfelt messages were directed at global leaders and UN bodies, urging them to address the humanitarian crises faced by children in war-torn regions.
In a press release issued through their father, Prof. Dr. Aurangzeb Hafi, a renowned postdoctoral researcher and humanitarian, the children expressed their solidarity with victims of violence, particularly on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The observance of this day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1977 (Resolution 32/40 B) and reinforced by Resolution 60/37 in 2005, which called for cultural events and exhibits highlighting Palestinian rights. This year’s commemorative events include an exhibition titled “Gaza, Palestine: A Crisis of Our Humanity” at the UN General Assembly Visitors’ Lobby, running from November 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The siblings’ protest campaign began earlier in the year, coinciding with the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression on June 4, 2024. Their blood-written notes carried powerful messages such as:
- “Cultivate peace for the children—Reap peace for the world.”
- “Raise a voice for the voiceless—innocent children caught in the crossfire.”
- “Humanitarian eyes needed to see the crisis in Gaza.”
- “Break the criminal silence on the infanticide in Gaza.”
Their advocacy earned them the UN’s ‘Grace do Monaco’ International Medal and the ‘Eglantyne Jebb Platinum Pen for Peace.’ The awards were announced on World Children’s Day, November 20, 2024, in recognition of their efforts to amplify the voices of children suffering in conflict zones.
In addition to the awards, the UN-KAKHTAH panel offered scholarships and allocated $10,000 for the siblings to study in any country of their choice for two years. The children credit their motivation to their parents, Dr. Bareera N.B. and Prof. Dr. Aurangzeb Hafi. Prof. Hafi, a distinguished humanitarian and postdoctoral researcher, has represented Pakistan on global platforms and was a co-recipient of the Top of the Top-10 Bidecadal Impact Gazette award in 2020 alongside the late Ms. Bilquis Edhi.
These young advocates have become a symbol of hope and resilience, urging the world to take action for the countless children who continue to suffer in silence amidst the horrors of war.
