Brussels, 17 October 2023  – The two major European paediatric societies, European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP), Paediatric section of UEMS (UEMS-PS) and the European Paediatric Association, Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), jointly issue this statement in the face of the shocking and unexpected eruption of violence in the Middle East.

These distressing events once again underscore the profound impact children endure when violencereplaces reason. Both societies vehemently denounce and condemn all acts of violence against civilians,especially those targeting children.