1 million children in Syria sign appeal for peace

(Vatican Radio) More than one million children in Syria have been signing a petition calling for peace as part of a fresh appeal to political leaders to end the Syrian civil war. 

At least 2,000 schools from many parts of Syria are taking part in the initiative in which youngsters have been drawing pictures and writing messages for the attention of the United Nations in Geneva and the European Union in Brussels.

The Peace for Children scheme, organised with help from the Catholic charity, 'Aid to the Church in Need,' involves children of all ages describing in words and pictures the impact of the five-year conflict for them and their loved ones.

The initiative was developed by the charity in response to reports that at least 2.1 million Syrian children are unable to attend school – with many education buildings evacuated or damaged because of the conflict.

This week, children of all denominations in the capital, Damascus, as well as in Homs, Yabroud, Marmarita and Aleppo have been taking part in the Peace for Children initiative with songs, dances, drama and prayer, all calling for peace.

The youngsters – who include many Muslims – have been writing messages to the global community on white balloons, slogans such as “We want peace”, “Give us our childhood”, “We don’t want any more war” and “We want to go to school”.

Children have been invited to tell their own personal story of suffering.