468 Children reside in regions impacted by armed Conflict

Writes Dionysus, Content writer, Headline Diplomat eMagazine

Introduction

The global landscape is marred by the staggering impact of armed conflict on children, as revealed by a recent report from Save the Children. In 2022 alone, a staggering 468 million children found themselves living amidst the chaos of war-torn regions worldwide. This alarming figure, equating to one in every six children globally, underscores the dire consequences of conflict for our youngest and most vulnerable populations.

Of particular concern is the presence of approximately 200 million children in the most perilous war-torn countries, representing the highest figure in the last decade. The concerning escalation in the number of children residing in countries currently at war is largely linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, underscoring the urgent need for international attention.

Children residing in countries affected by war are constantly living in fear, facing severe infringements of their rights that have a significant impact on their mental well-being. The effects of war on children are profound, as the presence of deadly conflicts in their surroundings puts them at a higher risk of the effects of climate change and unprecedented levels of starvation. These children, already vulnerable due to the circumstances they find themselves in, are further burdened by the uncertainty and instability caused by war, along with the psychological effects of war that can last a lifetime.

The constant threat of violence and the destruction of their homes and communities instil a sense of constant fear and anxiety in young lives. They are forced to witness unimaginable horrors and experience profound loss at such a young age, which can result in enduring trauma and psychological distress. The trauma they endure can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), necessitating immediate and compassionate intervention.

The lack of access to necessities, such as food, clean water, and healthcare, exacerbates the vulnerability of these children and increases their risk of malnutrition and disease. Forced displacement, a direct consequence of war, often leads to environmental degradation and the displacement of communities, making them even more susceptible to the impacts of climate change. The scarcity of resources and the disruption of essential services further compound the challenges faced by vulnerable children, making it difficult for them to thrive and reach their full potential.

We must prioritize the protection and well-being of these children, providing them with the support and community support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. By addressing the root causes of conflict and investing in sustainable development, we can create a safer and more stable future for these children, where they can grow up free from fear and can fulfil their dreams, in line with the principles of children’s rights.

In their publication “The Forgotten Ones: Stop the War on Children” Save the Children examined information from the United Nations Secretary-General’s 2022 report on children and armed conflicts, along with data from the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), to determine the top 10 most challenging counties for children living in areas of armed conflict.

In 2022, a total of 2,985 children were tragically lost in 24 different countries, predominantly within conflict zones and active war zones. According to Save the Children’s statistics, the number of children documented as deceased in Gaza within three weeks has tragically exceeded the annual global total of children who have perished in war-affected regions since 2019.

The 10 most challenging countries with the highest risk for risk are:

1. Afghanistan
2. Democratic Republic of Congo
3. Syria
4. Yemen
5. Somalia
6. Mali
7. Nigeria
8. Cameroon
9. Sudan
10. Republic of Central Africa

According to the UN, 6 serious violations are being reported and monitored against Children.

1. Killing and injuring of children
2. Recruitment and use of children by armed forces or armed groups
3. Abduction of children
4. Attacks on schools or hospitals
5. Refusal or lack of humanitarian support, like access to basic healthcare
6. Rape and other forms of sexual violence

Today, the dynamics of conflicts in the world today are evolving, and its impact on children is transforming. There is a disturbing trend of deliberate violence targeting innocent civilians, including orchestrated assaults on educational facilities, the abduction and exploitation of young girls for labor, and the intentional deprivation of food and essential resources, akin to deliberate starvation.

In current instances of armed conflicts, the battleground has become indistinct, with children’s residences and educational institutions being caught in the crossfire, threatening both their children’s safety and emotional safety.

Conflict dynamics have evolved, with children now facing unprecedented and tragic impacts. Prolonged conflicts in urban areas exacerbate casualties and harm to innocent civilians, disrupting vital resources like food and water.

Children bear a disproportionate burden:

• They suffer from severe traumatic stress and mental health issues due to both physical and mental trauma.
• Hunger among children is on the rise.
• Preventable diseases are increasingly afflicting children, emphasizing the need for better psychosocial and mental health support.
• Conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic hinder children’s education, necessitating emergency funds for support.
• Children face heightened risks of sexual violence and recruitment by armed groups, impacting their emotional well-being.
• Many children are trapped in conflict zones without access to aid.
• Long-term war consequences cause severe, often life-changing injuries in children, affecting both victims and wider communities.
• Conflict uniquely affects children’s emotional response and development, shaping their future growth.
• Childhood trauma during conflict is influenced by various factors, including social environments, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, and rural or urban settings. (Highlighted by Save the Children).

Every child has the fundamental right to a secure, joyful life and well-being, a principle that guides their efforts in crisis recovery and support.

• In conflict-ridden regions, there are approximately 89.2 million adolescent girls, representing nearly 20% of all adolescent girls globally, who are particularly vulnerable children and affected children, according to recent figures.
• Globally, girls affected by conflict exhibit a more than 20% higher propensity to be coerced into child marriages, a situation that often leads to challenges in child adjustment and emotional withdrawal, compared to their counterparts in peaceful regions.
• The probability of child marriage, influenced by the presence of conflict, escalates significantly for girls in East Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South Asia, highlighting the need for multilevel interventions and a resilient approach to address this issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the plight of children affected by armed conflict demands urgent and concerted action from the international community. The statistics are sobering, with millions of innocent lives caught in the crossfire and facing unimaginable hardships. As responsible global citizens, we must prioritize the protection and well-being of these children, offering them the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives. By addressing the root causes of conflict and investing in sustainable development, we can create a safer and more hopeful future for generations to come.

Call to Action

It is incumbent upon governments, organizations, and individuals alike to stand up for the rights of children affected by armed conflict. We must advocate for peace, humanitarian aid, and access to education and healthcare for these vulnerable populations. Through collective efforts and unwavering commitment, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of children worldwide, ensuring they have the chance to thrive and fulfil their potential, free from the horrors of war.

Featured photo: Arvind shakya: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/796526/