Urgent Action Needed for Children in Conflict Zones Globally

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Nearly one in five children globally lives in conflict zones.
Over 473 million children are currently affected by armed conflicts.
Children in war-torn regions face severe violations of their rights.
Countries like Syria, Yemen, and the DRC rank among the worst for children.
The conflict in Ukraine has contributed to rising numbers of affected children.
UNICEF calls for urgent, concrete actions to protect children’s rights.

A Global Crisis: Children Caught in the Crossfire

Today, with more conflicts than ever, children suffer most from violence. Nearly one in five children worldwide lives in places torn apart by war. UNICEF reports this startling fact, highlighting the harsh conditions millions of young people endure due to adult conflicts.

Over 473 million children currently live in conflict-affected areas, a figure that has doubled since the mid-1990s. The ongoing war in Ukraine partly contributes to this increase, worsening a difficult situation. With more conflicts now than since World War II, the impact on vulnerable children is immense.

The Toll on Children’s Rights and Well-being

Conflict profoundly affects children’s lives in many ways. In war-ravaged regions, children lose their fundamental rights. They are killed, injured, displaced, and often miss out on education and healthcare. The lasting trauma these children endure will affect future generations.

Children in conflict zones often miss school, suffer malnutrition, or are forced to leave their homes. For example, the Syrian conflict has severely impacted children, causing displacement, lack of schooling, and a higher risk of diseases.

Moreover, these children face a higher risk of child marriage and gender-based violence. The breakdown of protective systems leaves them open to exploitation and abuse.

In these zones, children face daily survival threats. They encounter both real and metaphorical dangers, as war shatters their innocence. The failure of the international community to protect these children reflects poorly on our shared values.

UNICEF’s Urgent Call to Action

Amid this humanitarian crisis, UNICEF urges quick action. The organization stresses that everyone involved in conflicts must act to end children’s suffering. This appeal goes beyond words; it demands real actions to uphold children’s rights.

The international community must understand that protecting children in conflict zones is both a moral and legal duty. The failure to do so marks a collective letdown of our basic values.

The Escalating Crisis: A Timeline of Tragedy

This crisis is alarming. Since War Child began in the mid-1990s, the number of children affected by conflict has doubled. This growth shows the increasing severity of modern warfare.

In 2022, 468 million children worldwide lived in conflict areas. In 2023, the United Nations logged a record 32,990 violations against 22,557 children. These numbers represent lives destroyed and futures stolen.

By 2024, UNICEF found over 473 million children in conflict zones. This ongoing rise paints a bleak picture of a world failing its youngest members.

The Rights of Children Under International Law

Children around the world have rights that must be respected and protected. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) outlines these fundamental rights. Every child has the right to life, a name, a nationality, and parental care. They are entitled to health, access to healthcare services, and the right to education (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child).

The CRC also shields children from abuse and neglect. It ensures their freedom of expression, religion, association, and peaceful assembly. Importantly, it prohibits economic, sexual, and other forms of exploitation. Acts of torture and capital punishment for offenses committed before the age of 18 are also forbidden (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child).

The Convention recognizes the vital role of parents. It requires states to respect parents’ responsibilities, rights, and duties. This respect supports parents in guiding their children to exercise their rights, which are recognized in the Convention (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child).

Child Marriage and Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones

In many conflict zones, child marriage has become more common. This practice involves marrying a child under the age of 18 to an adult or another child. Families may resort to child marriage, seeking economic stability or protection for their daughters. In regions experiencing conflict and crises, such as West and Central Africa, girls are often married at very young ages due to increased economic and social hardships (Ending Child Marriage – UNICEF USA).

Child marriage has severe consequences. It denies girls access to education and healthcare. It also raises the risk of early pregnancy and maternal mortality. Furthermore, these girls face a higher vulnerability to gender-based violence (Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Fragile Contexts – World Bank).

Gender-based violence includes acts of violence directed at individuals based on their gender. In conflict situations, it becomes more prevalent and is often used as a weapon of war to create fear and terror. Women and girls are disproportionately affected due to existing gender inequalities and lack of access to essential services (Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Fragile Contexts – World Bank).

International Humanitarian Law: Protecting Children in War

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) comprises rules limiting armed conflict’s effects. It aims to protect persons who are not participating in hostilities, including children. IHL ensures respect for their lives, dignity, and physical and mental well-being. It prohibits acts such as murder and torture, demanding humane treatment in all circumstances (What Is International Humanitarian Law? – ICRC).

IHL requires the collection and care of the wounded and sick. It also protects medical personnel, units, and transports, ensuring that medical activities can continue during conflicts. Moreover, IHL ensures access to humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict, subject to the parties’ consent (What Is International Humanitarian Law? – ICRC).

The Psychological Impact of Conflict on Children

Children in conflict zones often endure significant psychological trauma. Exposure to violence can lead to long-term mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These struggles can affect a child’s ability to learn and develop emotionally (Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Fragile Contexts – World Bank).

Developmentally, traumatized children may face delayed cognitive growth and behavioral problems. They might find it hard to integrate socially. Access to mental health services is crucial to help these children cope and heal (Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Fragile Contexts – World Bank).

The lack of stable and supportive environments makes things worse. Children often miss out on safe spaces and consistent care in conflict zones. Providing support and protection is essential for their well-being and future (Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Fragile Contexts – World Bank).

Concrete Measures to Protect Children

Practical steps must be taken to safeguard children in conflict zones. Ensuring access to essential services like healthcare, education, and mental health support is vital. Humanitarian organizations need safe passage to deliver aid and services (What Is International Humanitarian Law? – ICRC).

Implementing programs to prevent child marriage and gender-based violence is crucial. Community-based initiatives and policy changes can address underlying causes. Supporting local efforts strengthens these programs (Ending Child Marriage – UNICEF USA).

Creating safe spaces for children helps protect them from harm. Establishing child protection units and offering support services are essential actions. These measures provide immediate relief and long-term benefits (Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Fragile Contexts – World Bank).

FAQ

Q: How many children live in conflict zones worldwide?
A: Nearly one in five children globally, or over 473 million, currently resides in areas affected by armed conflict.

Q: What are the main consequences for children in war-torn areas?
A: Children in conflict zones face grave violations of their rights, including being killed, maimed, displaced, and denied access to education and healthcare.

Q: Which countries are considered the most dangerous for children?
A: Countries such as Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Yemen are identified as some of the worst places for children due to ongoing conflicts.

Q: What is UNICEF doing about this crisis?
A: UNICEF has issued an urgent call to action for all parties involved in conflicts to make concrete efforts to end the suffering of children and uphold their rights under international humanitarian law.

Q: Why is protecting children in war zones important?
A: Protecting children is both a moral imperative and a legal obligation, as their safety reflects our global priorities and humanity’s commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.