Listening to the Innocent: Why We Must Heed the Voices of Vulnerable Children

On August 27, 2025, a tragic scene unfolded in Minneapolis when a gunman attacked Annunciation Catholic Church during a school Mass, resulting in the deaths of two young children, aged eight and ten, and injuring many others. The sanctuary transformed into a battleground, as local authorities reported that “these kids were literally praying.” While mourning is a natural instinct, the need for change is paramount to ensure children's safety.Having survived as a refugee and witnessed unspeakable atrocities, I understand the harsh realities many children face today. Globally, millions suffer preventable deaths, with 4.8 million children under five lost in 2023 alone, largely due to malnutrition and violence. Particularly, conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo intensify this crisis.It's crucial to initiate a paradigm shift prioritizing children. We must end conflicts, guarantee basic needs, and rewrite societal commitments to children, redefining their survival and potential. Only through collective action can we create a world where peace, protection, and opportunity are a child's right. (Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons)