Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – King Philippe of Belgium used his annual Christmas address to highlight children suffering in war zones while taking his message from a letter penned by Sancta Maria school students in Leuven.
During his annual speech, King Philippe shared touching correspondence from first-year students at the Sancta Maria secondary school in Leuven. The students from Sancta Maria challenged the King’s understanding when they expressed their confusion about children suffering in war zones, thus leading the King to evaluate leadership duties toward these problems.
“Their empathy must awaken our conscience. We cannot stand by indifferent in the face of so many violations of international law,”
Stated King Philippe, referencing reports of possible human rights violations.
He stressed that creating a respectful and just world demands decisive action alongside hope to achieve global child value recognition. Soon after receiving the letter, King Philippe arranged a conversation with students at Laeken Castle. King Philippe demanded that adults accept their responsibilities and let empathy trigger conscience activation. King Philippe addressed the international community by stating that silently watching human rights violations within the context of widespread international law violations is unacceptable.
On the same day, the King pressed politicians to build an international rule-based world order that upholds peace alongside child protection. He further stressed parental duties towards children. The royal toast was finished with best wishes for everyone to find inspiration, renewal, and hope as the Christmas and New Year period began.
What is the context behind these awards?
King Philippe’s Christmas message 2023 also focused on hope amidst “dark times” marked by international conflicts and violence. Belgium’s intercultural policy earned his commendation, although he acknowledged that discrimination and racism still exist in the country. The King promoted teamwork to achieve shared resources for building an inclusive world with sustainability at its core.
The Sancta Maria school from Leuven wrote to King Philippe in 2024 to convey their complete bafflement regarding war. The students asked the King if there was still hope for a world where no child suffers from war.
“We cannot stand idly by as countless violations of international law occur,”
Said King Philippe.
The Belgian King Philippe emphasised that political authorities should establish a world system that relies on international laws and peace and defends vulnerable groups, particularly children.
