On International Children’s Day, marked on 1 June in many countries around the world, Ezidi Times extends its thoughts to all children whose lives are shaped by war, displacement, poverty, fear, and uncertainty.

This day is meant to honour the dignity, rights, safety, and dreams of every child. It is also a reminder that childhood should never be stolen by violence, hardship, or injustice.

Today, our thoughts especially go to Ezidi children who continue to live in displacement camps in Iraq, and to those still growing up in the long shadow of the 2014 genocide committed against the Ezidis by isis.

International Children’s Day

Author: Jumana Omar

On a day like this, I wish for every child around the world to have the life they deserve: a safe life, a peaceful future, a warm home, and a world where their dreams are not too far away.

I wish for children to grow up surrounded by love instead of fear. To fall asleep peacefully instead of hearing war and pain. To hold toys in their hands, not sadness in their hearts. To dream about adventures, laughter, and beautiful places, not survival.

Every child deserves safety.
Every child deserves happiness.
Every child deserves the chance to simply be a child.

Ezidi Children

Today, my heart especially goes to children who have lost their homes, comfort, and peace too early in life. Children who still live in tents while dreaming of real houses. Children who imagine toys they may never receive, places they wish to visit, and futures they still hope for.

Some children have learned pain before joy.
Some have learned survival before childhood.

From the deepest part of my heart, I wish that one day, no child will have to beg life for the simple things they naturally deserve: safety, warmth, education, love, and peace.

No child should have to wait until adulthood to finally live the life they dreamed about when they were young.
No child should grow up carrying fears heavier than their own small hearts.

This International Children’s Day, I do not only celebrate children. I pray for them.

For their healing.
For their future.
For a kinder and more peaceful world.

And I truly hope that one day, every child gets everything they once whispered quietly to their hearts before sleep.

Not years later.
Not after suffering.
But while they are still children.