As today is international day of innocent children victims of aggression it is important to shed light of child victims of the consequences of war. The six most common types of violations are recruitment and use of children in war, killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals and denial of humanitarian access.
On 19th August 1982 at its emergency special session on the question of Palestine, the General Assembly, “appalled at the great number of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese children victims of Israel’s acts of aggression”, made the decision to commemorate 4 June of each year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
The motivation behind this day is to acknowledge and raise awareness of the pain children throughout the world have suffered such as physical, mental and emotional abuse. Violence against children in conflict zones have been increasing and up to 536 million children in countries affected are vulnerable. More needs to be done to protect the rights of these children and highlight their suffering. According to recent statistics about 50 million children have been displaced from their home. This displacement increases the children’s vulnerability to violence and exploitation - this is due to the children becoming orphans or becoming separated from their families.
Countries where children are the least safe include:
- Pakistan
- Egypt
- Mozambique
- Vietnam
- China
- Argentina
- Russia
- Nigeria
- Indonesia
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. As part of this goal, the UN hopes to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children by 2030.
It is important to highlight and raise awareness of the abuse and violence children in conflict zones face as all children deserve to reside in a caring and loving environment where they can prosper and receive access to education and health care.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse or violence our experienced Abuse team are here to help. For a confidential discussion please contact our team on 0113 887 1834 or email Natalie.Marrison@ramsdens.co.uk.