GAZA, January 13, 2009 (WAFA)- The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) voiced its deep concern at the impact of the ongoing Israeli Aggression in Gaza, which has killed or injured hundreds of young people, and warned that the effects of recent events on an entire generation of children will be severe.

“The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child is deeply concerned at the devastating effects that the current military engagement in Gaza is having on children,” the 18-member body said in a statement issued in Geneva, where it is currently in session.

Over 40% of the nearly 900 Palestinians killed in the Israeli offensive, launched on December 27, and almost half of the 3,860 wounded, are women and children, according to reports cited as credible by the UN.

The Committee stressed that the rights enshrined in the Convention, including the right of children to life, survival and development and to be protected from all forms of violence, have been “blatantly violated during this crisis.” It recalled that human rights law, including the Convention, applies at all times, including in situations of armed conflict.

Under article 38 of the Convention, which has been ratified by 193 States, parties – in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect the civilian population in armed conflicts – shall take all feasible measures to ensure protection and care of children who are affected by an armed conflict.

The UN Committee on Rights of the Child is one of eight human rights treaty bodies whose role is to monitor signatory States’ implementation of key international human rights treaties.