On World Children’s Day, Shia children are victims to persecution and execution

Every year on November 20, people celebrate World Children’s Day to remember the day in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and its ten principles.

 The day is observed worldwide to raise awareness of children’s rights and to raise their level of living standards. Additionally, it encourages intercultural understanding and boosts awareness among children to improve their welfare.

However, racism, discrimination and execution against Shia children are on the increase in a number of countries.

In Shia-majority Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, protesters demanding reforms and freedom of expression have been met with crackdown, incarceration and executions.

According to rights group, Saudi authorities executed 886 inmates since 2015, including minors.

Bahrain is no exception when it comes to Shia rights. Bahraini authorities have carried campaigns of persecution and execution against Shia such as Sami Mushaima and Ali al-Singace.

In Afghanistan and since returning to power last year, the Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on the Shia Hazara minority. Girls were deprived of school education and forced to wear full-face covering, with ISIS claiming explosions targeting them.

Millions of children in the Middle East and across the world are suffering from malnutrition and diseases like cholera due to the impacts of climate change, conflict, and the cost-of-living crisis.