A statement from Dr Andrew Forrest AO and Nicola Forrest AO

28 Mar 2025 – When we started Minderoo Foundation in 2001 it was known as the Australian Children’s Trust. The sole founding purpose of what became Minderoo Foundation was to protect children and help them reach their potential.

It is with this in mind that we profess our heartache and utter dismay at the pain and suffering currently being endured by the people of Gaza – nearly half of whom are children – since the ceasefire was broken.

We were both raised to do what you can with what you have, and if you have a voice to speak to injustice then you must use it. We are today using our voice to highlight the violence, trauma, death and despair being experienced by innocent children, including infants, in Gaza.

Nowhere is safe in Gaza - recent strikes reportedly hit makeshift shelters housing sleeping children and families, and United Nations premises have come under deadly attack.

In the face of these atrocities continuing to unfold in Gaza, we affirm our collective commitment to universal human rights – that all human lives have equal value and dignity.

Halting the flow of humanitarian aid is a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

We urge all parties to immediately reinstate the ceasefire.

We call on countries with influence to use their leverage to ensure the situation does not further deteriorate.

International humanitarian law must be respected, allowing the immediate provision of humanitarian aid, the protection of civilians, and the release of all hostages.

International law also demands humanitarian workers must not be targeted as they attempt to deliver lifesaving aid.

Our advocacy is driven by the fundamental human rights that every person and child is entitled to. We make this statement as parents and as individuals who have always been driven by an unwavering commitment to fairness and equality.

Minderoo Foundation stands willing and ready to help, as we have since 7 October 2023, and to support our humanitarian partners when access is restored.