Children bear heaviest cost of wars, conflicts: Turkish president

Despite our best efforts, wars and oppression continue in the region, with innocent children often paying the price, Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

Speaking at TRT’s 48th International April 23 Children's Festival Gala Program in Ankara, Erdogan stressed that innocent children are often the ones who bear the heaviest cost in conflicts and wars.

“Living in a country and world free of war, conflict, violence, deprivation, and poverty is the most natural right of children,” he said.

Türkiye is striving to stop conflicts and wipe away children’s tears, with the sole aim of ensuring all children live in peace, security, and brotherhood, he added.

Celebrating the holiday of children around the world, Erdogan said: “I wish a life full of peace and happiness for children in our country, across our heartland, and throughout the world.”

“I extend my greetings and love, especially to Palestinian and Lebanese children who are forced to bear the burden of war and conflict on their small shoulders,” he said.

He also emphasized that all children and young people should enjoy going to school, receive the best and highest-quality education possible, fall asleep without fear, and wake up to the sound of birds chirping rather than bombs.

Erdogan stressed that just as Türkiye seeks the best for its own children, it sincerely wishes the same for all children from Asia to Africa, urging young people to remember those in hardship, especially in Gaza and Lebanon, in their prayers.

The president said children, as humanity's enduring link, will shape the future and make the world a better place despite challenges, describing them as cultural and humanitarian ambassadors.

“We are all members of the human family. Even if the languages you speak are different, the language of love and friendship is the same. Likewise, the language of brotherhood, solidarity, and sharing is the same. Never refrain from upholding brotherhood among you, keeping friendship alive, and believing in peace,” he added.