The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression observed annually on June 4th, stands as a poignant reminder of the atrocities inflicted upon children in times of conflict.
Established by the United Nations in 1982, this day acknowledges the pain and suffering endured by children who are the most vulnerable victims of war and violence.
This day honors and highlights the resilience of those suffering from violence. It also galvanizes global action towards safeguarding their rights and well-being.
Every day, children in war-torn regions around the world endure unimaginable horrors. They are unsafe whether they are sleeping in their homes, playing outside, attending school, or seeking medical care at hospitals.
UN Secretary-General’s Report on Children and Armed Conflict
The UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict reveals that in 2022 alone:
Over 8,630 children were killed or maimed, marking a 5% increase compared to 2021. The use of explosive ordnance, including explosive remnants of war, improvised explosive devices, and landmines, accounted for over 25% of these casualties.
Moreover, 7,622 children were recruited or used, with boys comprising 85% of these cases. Factors such as sex, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, geopolitical location, and economic status primarily determine a child’s risk of recruitment, the nature of their exploitation, and the violations they experience.
3,985 children were abducted. The highest number of child abductions occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, and Mozambique.
In addition, 1,166 children were victims of sexual violence. Girls are disproportionately affected, with 99% of sexual violence perpetrated against them, often leading to forced marriage. Boys are also victims of sexual violence and may experience secondary trauma from being forced to witness sexual violence against family members.
Further, there were 3,931 incidents of denial of humanitarian access, with the most affected areas being Israel and the State of Palestine, Yemen, Afghanistan, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
There were 1,846 verified incidents in schools and hospitals. This figure represents a sharp increase of over 110% in attacks on these vital institutions. Additionally, there has been a significant rise of 60% in the use of schools and hospitals for military purposes by both armed forces and armed groups.
On the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, the United Nations expressed its view: “Children need peace & protection. They are Not a Target. Tuesday’s International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression affirms the UN’s commitment to children’s rights.”
Children of Gaza
The conflict in the Gaza Strip is exacting a catastrophic toll on children. As of April 29, 2024, out of the 34,488 Palestinians killed in Gaza, a staggering 14,500 have been children, and 9,500 have been women.
Additionally, another 77,643 individuals have reportedly been injured, with an estimated 75% of these casualties being female.
However, it’s devastating to note that an estimated 63 women, among them 37 mothers, are losing their lives daily. Additionally, since the commencement of the war on Gaza, approximately 17,000 Palestinian children are believed to have been orphaned.
Every day, over 183 women endure childbirth without access to pain relief. Tragically, the lack of electricity to power incubators has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of babies.
Safe spaces are virtually non-existent in Gaza. Every child in the region has been subjected to the traumatic realities of war, experiences that will leave lasting consequences for their entire lives.
Approximately 1.7 million people in the Gaza Strip are estimated to have been internally displaced, with half of them being children.
In addition, they lack sufficient access to water, food, fuel, and medicine. Their homes have been destroyed, and their families torn apart.
Many children have experienced multiple displacements, losing homes, parents, and loved ones in the process. It’s crucial to prioritize their protection and ensure the continuity of essential services they rely on, such as medical facilities and shelter.
UNRWA Highlights Ongoing Plight in Gaza
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees wrote on social media platforms on the occasion: “Children in Gaza are going through an endless nightmare.
Bombardments, forced displacement, lack of food & water, and no access to education are traumatizing an entire generation. psychosocial support teams continue working to give relief & hope to children in the Gaza Strip.”
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund expressed their stance saying, “Children living in makeshift tents in Al-Mawasi share their harsh living conditions. No child should live like this. Every child in Gaza needs an immediate ceasefire.”
Furthermore, there are countless stories scattered throughout Gaza of innocent children falling victim to aggression. One such voice is Khaled Younis, who shared his thoughts on the ongoing aggression against the children of Gaza: “We hope that the war will end, we are innocent children. We hope for equality with the children of the world.”
Way Forward
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression holds immense significance, transcending mere observance.
Moreover, it serves as a pivotal moment not only for commemoration but also for taking proactive measures to safeguard the future of humanity, embodied in the innocent children who are the most vulnerable victims of aggression.
Also Read: Children dying of hunger, Report on war ridden Gaza
In the 21st century, witnessing such cruelty and aggression against innocent children is deeply disheartening. It’s high time for a global call to unity, urging decisive action that goes beyond merely providing care for these children.
Instead, it is crucial to tackle the underlying causes of these atrocities and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Additionally, this requires addressing immediate needs, finding long-term solutions, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes against humanity and children.
