The Children Are Watching

Violence in the Capitol: A statement from ChildFund’s President & CEO

Children and young people in the U.S. and around the globe watched yesterday as U.S. adults resorted to violence to try to stop a legally held democratic election from being certified. What lesson does that send to the next generation? What hope has been fractured in the hearts of children who yearn for a more just world that provides them opportunity and safety for their own futures?

ChildFund International condemns in no uncertain terms the hate and lies propagated over the last weeks, months and years that have led us to this moment. Democracy thrives on the honest debate of ideas, policies and priorities. Advocating for these is essential to keeping governments accountable to their people. Yesterday in D.C. was not that. It was an explosion of hatred.

What are children supposed to learn from the election-related violence in the U.S. Capitol? It’s time for a new path forward.

In ChildFund’s 80 years of working in many countries globally, we have sadly witnessed many times what happens in countries where lies by leaders are accepted as truth by their supporters. Violence grows more deadly, the social fabric of communities tears apart, and people suffer, particularly children.  We do not want this in America.

Today is a new day, and it is the right time to apply the painful lesson of the last year: that the well-being of all of us depends on the well-being of each of us, especially the world’s children. What do they need to grow up healthy, educated and safe? The answer should govern our beloved country’s way forward. And the only way forward is together.

The children are watching. Let’s rebuild their hope.

Anne Lynam Goddard

President and CEO