Invite Palestinian children to the 2010 International Children's Games in Lanarkshire

Dumfries Liberal Democrats <tom@therussells.org.uk>

Invite Palestinian children to the 2010 International Children's Games in Lanarkshire - O'Donnell

September 4, 2009 10:23 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Following his visit to Gaza with other parliamentarians earlier this year, Hugh O'Donnell, Liberal Democrat MSP for Central Scotland is calling on the organisers of the 2010 International Children's Games (ICG) to invite children from Palestine, the West Bank and Gaza to come to Lanarkshire to take part.

Mr O'Donnell has written to Cllr Michael McCann of South Lanarkshire Council, who has been at the forefront of the successful efforts to bring the Games to Lanarkshire, encouraging him to include these youngsters, whose lives have been made so difficult by conflict.

Commenting, Mr O'Donnell said:

"I met children on my visit to Gaza earlier this year and was appalled to see how difficult their lives have become as a result of conflict in the Region, most recently the bombardment and blockade of Gaza by Israel in retaliation for Hamas rocket attacks on Israeli settlements on the West Bank.

"What saddened me was how children's growing-up and daily lives have become badly disrupted and restricted. They are cut off from the world and from the kinds of opportunities we in the West can offer our own children.

"The ICG is an ideal opportunity for us to show that Scotland is an inclusive country and as part of this inclusion I believe that we should consider the possibility of sending invitations to the children of Palestine, the West Bank and Gaza, inviting them to participate in this event.

"In 2008 The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) organised the Gaza Summer Games, which catered for over a quarter of a million people, allowing the participating children a break from their normal hardships. The forthcoming ICG seems like an exciting opportunity to include this isolated group of people to come and join our event in Scotland. It would be a great chance to provide the children of Palestine, the West Bank and Gaza with the same opportunities that children in other countries have access to.

"Sharing the fun and excitement of these games and making friendships across international barriers cannot be anything but a positive experience for these youngsters and a beacon of hope for their future.

"I sincerely hope my suggestion will be taken up by those with the power to make it happen."

ENDS