Governorates, Nov. 20 (Petra)-- A number of Jordanian institutions celebrated World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, with a wide range of activities and events aimed at promoting children’s rights and raising awareness of issues affecting them.

First Deputy of the Lower House, Khamis Atiyeh, emphasized that protecting children and safeguarding their rights is a national, moral, and constitutional duty. He noted that under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Jordan has made child welfare a central pillar of its modernization project and its vision for building a strong, just state.

Speaking on the occasion, Atiyeh condemned the killing, starvation, and displacement of children in Gaza, describing it as "one of the most horrific humanitarian crimes of the modern era." He stressed that the international community’s silence regarding the suffering of Palestinian children is an unacceptable failure.

He reiterated that Jordan will remain "the strongest voice" in exposing these atrocities and advocating for the right of Gazan children to life and dignity, in line with the political and humanitarian efforts led by His Majesty the King on the global stage.

Atiyeh also affirmed that Parliament will continue its oversight and legislative role to ensure the protection of every child in Jordan. This includes strengthening healthcare, education, and social protection systems, and combating all forms of violence, neglect, and exploitation guaranteeing a safe environment and fair opportunities for children’s development.

He concluded by stating that "Jordan’s strength begins with protecting its children," and that any harm to a child is a violation of the country’s core values and human principles.

In Zarqa, Hashemite University Vice President Wasfi Al-Rawabdeh inaugurated a medical day for kindergarten and nursery children, organized by the Queen Rania Faculty for Childhood and the university nursery and kindergarten, in cooperation with the university’s health center. The event was attended by faculty dean Professor Fathi Hmida, Deputy Director of the Health Center Haitham Hayajneh, academic and administrative staff, health workers, and university students.

In his opening remarks, Al-Rawabdeh underscored the university’s commitment to providing a healthy and safe environment for children, and to promoting health awareness among parents and early childhood professionals. He noted that the university views children’s health as both a national and educational priority.

Separately, the Social Facilities and Programs Department at the Greater Amman Municipality organized a celebratory event at the Al-Hussein Social Institution for Orphans, affiliated with the Ministry of Social Development. The celebration featured a variety of activities, including educational and sports competitions, awareness sessions, face painting, "tele-match" games, the distribution of gifts, and national songs.

These activities fall under the municipality’s "Amman: Child-Friendly City" project, which runs through the end of 2026.

//Petra// MF