In response to the tragedy at a primary school in Minab, the jury of the Flying Turtle children’s book award has issued a statement condemning the recent attacks and calling on international organizations to investigate the killing of children.
The jury strongly condemned the missile attack carried out by the U.S.–Israeli axis on a primary school in Minab and an attack on a stadium in Lamerd, and urged global institutions to address these events and work to prevent such tragedies. The group also called on families to take special care of children during these difficult days.
The full text of the statement follows:
What our beloved country is experiencing these days is deeply frightening—a catastrophe that, like all wars, brings destruction in its wake. The U.S. missile attack on the Minab primary school and the stadium in Lamerd, and the killing of more than 200 children and adolescents across the country, is so painful that it wounds the heart of every human being. While condemning this crime and expressing our sincere sympathy with the grieving families, we call on international organizations—especially UNICEF—to investigate these events and to make every effort to prevent such tragedies from recurring anywhere in the world.
Yet this is not the full extent of the tragedy. Children who are exposed to physical harm, or who spend their days and nights amid the sounds of explosions and the shaking of windows and walls, and who witness destruction and the loss of loved ones, require special care and attention.
Increasing our knowledge about how to respond in dangerous situations—based on the guidance of reputable national and international organizations—is the first step in confronting the risks and harms created by these circumstances.
Observing safety measures and maintaining calm during bombardments is only one part of the care that adults can provide for children and adolescents.
Spending time with children and playing with them, having honest conversations without frightening details about the war, holding and comforting them, trying to preserve the ordinary rhythms of life—sleep, meals, play, and study—and creating a sense of safety are all of great importance.
Helping children cope with the anxiety caused by the sound of explosions and bombardment requires patience, awareness, and continued practice. Yet given the sensitivity and flexibility of children’s minds, careful attention and supportive care can help them gradually return to a sense of normal life.
Simple digital games can sometimes help reduce anxiety. In our view, however, one of the most valuable companions in helping children face such circumstances is the book.
Reading storybooks together as a family is among the best ways to strengthen emotional bonds with children, create a sense of safety, and ease their anxiety.
Gentle stories and rhythmic poems can work wonders for younger children. For older children, there are many novels and informative books that can offer comfort, understanding, and perspective.
Using trusted reading lists to select high‑quality books for children and young adults can also be a valuable guide for families.
War is a tragic phenomenon that brings death, destruction, and suffering. As the new year approaches, we hope that the year ahead will come to its end with peace and dignity for the people of Iran.
The Jury of the Flying Turtle Award
