UN Experts: Palestinian Children Targeted for Age

Commission Findings on Systematic Targeting

A United Nations commission of inquiry concluded on October 14 that Israeli authorities have committed the crime against humanity of persecuting Palestinian children. The findings highlight a critical dimension often overlooked: children in the West Bank were deliberately targeted not merely due to their nationality, ethnicity, or race, but explicitly because of their age. These attacks resulted in severe physical and psychological harm.

This conclusion expands upon an earlier determination made by the same body regarding Gaza in June. The commission clarified that the injury inflicted upon children is neither accidental nor incidental collateral damage resulting from broader violence affecting the civilian population. Instead, it constitutes part of a pattern of intentional violence. The report emphasizes that this persecution based on age is not limited to the West Bank or Gaza.

Legal Framework and International Precedents

The commission noted that these conclusions do not require new laws, as the definition of persecution agreed upon by the International Law Commission currently includes the catch-all phrase “other grounds universally recognized as impermissible under international law.” Age is a characteristic that can trigger persecution, similar to disability. However, investigators and prosecutors operate more effectively when relying on clear, explicit lists.

Precedents already exist within international jurisprudence. In November, judges at the International Criminal Court confirmed 39 charges, tried in absentia, against Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army. These charges included persecution based on age regarding crimes committed in northern Uganda. The report cites other global examples where children are targeted due to their age, including sexual violence against very young girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, systematic denial of education in Cameroon following militant attacks on schools, and the recruitment and use of child soldiers in Myanmar.

Proposed Treaty Amendments

To strengthen legal accountability, the experts argue that when drafting a new treaty on crimes against humanity, states should explicitly include “age” as a ground for persecution. This would clearly identify children, the elderly, and other groups targeted by age as victims, facilitating the adoption of charges by judges when evidence is available. Sixteen countries have already proposed amendments to add age to the definition of persecution in the draft treaty currently under preparation.

The commission urged more nations to support this proposal before formal negotiations begin in 2028. Making the law more explicit will pave a clearer path to justice for children who are targeted simply for being children. Zama HRW emphasized that the new treaty should explicitly stipulate age within the definition of persecution to ensure robust legal protection.

This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.