Stolen Childhood in Gaza: Children's Rights and Social Work Perspective in the Shadow of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansig

Abstract

The ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza are leaving children facing serious humanitarian and psychosocial crises. This study examines the role of international law, humanitarian aid mechanisms and social work practices in addressing the rights violations that children in Gaza are subjected to from a social services perspective. The genocide and ethnic cleansing leave irreversible effects on the mental health of children, whose physical security and fundamental rights to education, health and psychosocial support are violated. The study also addresses the lack of access to basic needs and the violation of children's rights. The responses of the international community to these issues are also addressed. Furthermore, the study evaluates the role that social work can play in crisis management and the post-traumatic rehabilitation phase. It is argued that international organisations and local actors must collaborate to protect children's rights by implementing more effective social work interventions. The study makes recommendations to produce long-term, sustainable solutions through social work.