GDIRC Statement on Children in War Zones
Children in war zones are particularly at risk of experiencing lifelong detrimental consequences including psychological and developmental traumas. UNICEF posted in July 2026 that in Gaza alone, the number of children killed or injured has surpassed 64,000, with over 20,000 of them killed. Regionally, in Sudan, Lebanon, and Iran to name a few, the children are paying the highest price trying to navigate the world around them.
GDIRC, a volunteer humanitarian collaborative group of designers, urges all political and military actors to end this violence against the children, engage in negotiations to resolve their conflicts, and allow the children to be children and exercise their ultimate right to play.
Exhibition
Joyful Anarchy: Mitch Ryerson – Playgrounds
GDIRC member Mitch Ryerson will be having a retrospective show of 25 years of his playgrounds at the Cambridge Arts Council gallery at 344 Broadway, Cambridge. Also included in the show is a survey of the work of GDIRC over the last 10 years.
Free and Open to Public from Sept. 21 to Dec. 31, 2026. Public reception for the exhibition Oct. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Artkit - East Boston
Unity Park, Dorchester
Kayany, Lebanon
Cookout - Community Engagement
Mavrovouni Playground - Lesvos
Ineza Children's Centre, Uganda
The Global Design Initiative for Refugee Children was formed by members of Boston’s design community in 2016 in response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis with the goal of using design to fill the gaps left by humanitarian aid. This mission evolved into designing communal spaces for refugee families and children living in temporary encampments, globally, including those living in at risk communities in the US.
Our Initiatives
Portable Play
Initiated in 2023
Trina Persad Community Park
Ongoing 2025
Con Cualquier Cosa
Completed in 2023
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Fiscal Sponsor
GDIRC Partners
