Hadrian Primary School is holding a non-uniform day on Friday, 19th January, to fundraise and support the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, with all proceeds going to UNICEF. However, there has been no specific information provided about how these funds will be allocated, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its disproportionate impact on Palestinian children. 

We, the undersigned, are parents and guardians of children attending Hadrian Primary School. We wholeheartedly commend the school's initiative to organise a fundraising event on the 19th of January to support the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. As members of your local British Bangladeshi and Muslim community, we are deeply invested in the welfare of all children affected by crises globally, including those in the Middle East.

However, we urgently seek detailed, immediate, and public clarification regarding the allocation of the funds raised by Hadrian Primary School. As you can imagine, our community is particularly concerned about ensuring that our contributions are directed to the Middle East in a fair and ethical manner, especially when considering the ongoing war in Gaza which is disproportionately affecting Palestinian children.

The current war in Gaza is having a devastating and disproportionate impact on children, a situation that has escalated alarmingly in recent times. The Gaza Strip, as described by UNICEF, is currently the "most dangerous place" in the world to be a child. The scale of the tragedy is enormous, with over 70% of casualties from Israel’s offensive since October 7 being women and children. This situation raises significant concerns about not only the immediate physical harm to children but also the long-term psychological impact on those who survive. 

This conflict has also raised significant questions about the protection of children in war. Despite the internationally accepted rules of armed conflict under the Geneva Conventions, which mandate the protection and humane treatment of children, the reality in Gaza tells a different story. Israel, while a signatory to these conventions, does not recognise the 4th Geneva convention regarding civilians fighting an occupation, as it does not consider Palestine to be occupied land. This legal and political stance has significant implications for the way the conflict is conducted and its impact on civilian populations, especially children​​.

The destruction of infrastructure and the blockade has severely restricted access to essential resources like food and water. This has placed children at an increased risk of dehydration and malnutrition, with long-term consequences on their health and development. The lack of water, coupled with poor sanitation, is causing diarrheal diseases, which are a leading cause of child mortality globally. Moreover, the ongoing conflict has disrupted education, with schools being damaged, denying children their right to education and a sense of normalcy​​.

There is no doubt you will agree that the situation in Gaza, particularly for children, is a humanitarian crisis of grave proportions. As a community, we should be calling for urgent and concerted international action to protect the rights and lives of the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.

In light of this, we request the following specific information regarding the allocation of our donations through UNICEF:

1. We seek confirmation on which specific UNICEF channel the funds will be directed to. It is crucial for us that our contributions are earmarked for aiding Palestinian children and families, who are bearing the brunt of the conflict.
2. Given the disproportionate number of Palestinian casualties, we expect a significant portion of the funds to be allocated to their aid. We request detailed information on the percentage of total funds that will be directed to Palestinian relief efforts.
3. We ask for clear information on how these funds will specifically benefit the affected children and families. Intended projections on the impact of our contributions and their utilisation are necessary for our understanding and support.

We wish to make it clear that there is no objection to supporting all children in the Middle East.

However, our support is contingent upon the assurance that the funds are used ethically and proportionately, especially given the current figures indicating a higher number of Palestinian children being affected. Can the school confirm that the majority of the funds will be directed to where they are most needed?

We appreciate the school's commitment to values of mutual respect, tolerance, and individual liberty. In line with these values, we trust that our request for detailed clarification will be met publicly, with understanding and immediate action. We are ready to fully support this fundraising initiative and any further initiatives going forward, provided we receive satisfactory and transparent information regarding the specific use of the funds.

We look forward to your prompt and detailed response, enabling us to collectively support a cause that aligns with our principles and the urgent needs of those most affected by this crisis.