The Unfortunate Plight of Children in Armed Conflicts

Armed conflicts have been a constant for a long time dating up to 800 BC and down to our current times, such as wars being fought currently from Ukraine to Israel to Gaza. Among the rubbles left behind by misplaced anger, it is essential to recognize that children are affected by these conflicts in myriad ways that goes beyond direct participation in combat. This is an issue that has caught the attention of international bodies at large. The number of kids who have died in the current Israel-Gaza war is really disheartening. In a news report, more than 11,500 children have been killed during Israel’s war on Gaza.  Data from the United Nations (UN) in Ukraine reports that 560 children have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine.

In the clash between two opposing views, the impact is horrible and complex. Children continue to bear the brunt. They get displaced from their parents. They flee from their homes and are unable to go to school, they grapple with the loss of familiar surroundings, community ties and a sense of stability. In refugee camps, they are exposed to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and a heightened risk of exploitation including trafficking and forced labor. These series of constant harm on children made the UN draft out six grave violations against children during armed conflict. They list out killing or maiming, recruitment or use of child soldiers, rape and other forms of sexual violence, abduction, attacks against schools or hospitals and denial of humanitarian access.

Adults fight and come back with a broken spirit. How about kids? The lack of access to education cannot be overstated, the disruption of education exacerbates existing inequalities particularly for girls and marginalized communities.

The psychological toll of armed conflict leaves lasting scars on these children. I’m talking about exposure to violence, loss and insecurity. These invisible wounds on their mental wellbeing demand greater attention and care.

Every aspect of war goes against human rights, robs them of their dignity and childhood innocence. Despite the existence of legal frameworks like the convention on the rights of the child and mechanisms to protect children in conflict zones, there is still grave abuse of their rights.

The plights of children in armed conflicts is a stark and sobering reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for action to protect and support these vulnerable kids. What does this require? Immediate humanitarian solutions, addressing root causes, peacebuilding and conflict resolution because when you think about it, there won’t be need for this conversation if there were not wars to start with.