Tag: vulnerability

Diplomatic missions urge Israel to cease demolitions of schools

Diplomatic missions call on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in the West Bank

Representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union  together with the Palestinian Ministry of Education call on Israel to rescind its recent decision of the Israeli Civil Administration to demolish a donor-funded school in Amera, Hebron.

Israeli authorities issued a final demolition order against the school on Education Day (24th January), leaving the school at imminent risk of demolition. Should the demolition go ahead, 39 Palestinian school children will be deprived of their basic right to education.

The nearest alternative schools are approximately 5km away. Without adequate transport, students must make the long journey by foot, exposed to settler attacks, a heavily trafficked road and inclement weather. Under these conditions, girls and children with disabilities in particular are at a high risk of dropping out.

Palestinian schools in Area C – including those funded by donors – remain vulnerable to Israeli demolitions and settler violence. Since 2022, Israeli authorities have demolished three donor-funded schools. In addition, three donor-funded schools have been vandalised by Israeli settlers and are currently not operational.

Under international law, Israel, as occupying power, has an obligation to ensure that the occupied civilian population has adequate access to basic education.  

Palestinian children’s right to an education is undermined by Israel’s planning and zoning system in Area C which prevents Palestinian development, and construction of schools in Area C.

Representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union  call on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in accordance with its obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law, and to cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, of designating land for exclusive Israeli use and of denying Palestinian development.  

Failure to do so seriously undermines a two state solution and is a major impediment to peace and security.

Supporting vulnerable young people with complex needs

A national service dedicated to supporting young people with very complex social, emotional and behavioural needs has received £280,000 of Scottish Government funding.

The Interventions for Vulnerable Youth (IVY) project provides psychological and social work support to 12 to 18-year-olds who present a serious risk of harm to themselves or others.

The service, hosted by child and youth care charity Kibble, has supported more than 270 children and young people since it was established in 2013.

Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said: “It is vital that children and young people with such complex needs get the support they need.

“I am pleased that we have committed to funding IVY in 2021-22 so the service can continue to provide expert help.”

Kibble and IVY clinical director Dan Johnson said: “The pandemic has made it harder for services to reach those children and young people who need it most.

“With funding from the Scottish Government, IVY can continue to help young people and families access the right kind of support at the right time.”