Armed conflicts across the world are having dire effects on children worldwide. Families living among ongoing wars and violence are in vulnerable economic situations which armed groups take advantage of. When exposed to fear and violence at a young age, children get their childhood stolen from them and become victim to violent militant forces within their country.
In 2022, there was a recorded 21% yearly increase globally in child recruitment into armed groups. This infringement of international humanitarian law, which prohibits the recruitment and use of children under 18 as soldiers, cannot be tolerated. Designated as a war crime by the International Criminal Court, the number of children recruited by armed forces totaled a high 7,622 in 2022 with 2,496 children detained for association/accusation of association with parties to conflict. Those with the highest number of children recruited and used for armed forces include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mali, Somalia, and Syria.
The recruitment of children by armed groups is a non-negotiable international law offense. Taking advantage of young kids who are not to blame in conflicts, must not be tolerated within the international community. However, the amount of violations against children living in violence-ridden countries is striking.
In 2022, the number of violations against children reach 27,180, with atrocities ranging from recruitment of children into armed forces, killings and maiming, rape and sexual violence, and abductions. Children become easy targets for violence as militaries and armed forces use schools as their grounds across African countries. 8,831 children were reported killed or maimed, according to the Children and Armed Conflict UN report, 25% of which were caused by explosives such as bombs, land mines, and grenades. It’s reported that government and international forces were responsible for 26% of child killings, however, insurgent groups accounted for 52% of overall violations against children.[1]
Children who have been under the influence of armed forces are in dire need of humanitarian assistance as the fear and atrocities experienced may contribute to physical and psychological issues.[2] Humanitarian assistance and international support is of crucial importance for these victims of crime and violence as reintegrating into society after experiencing violence at a young age for long periods of time can be a challenge.
The deprivation of peace and liberty for children across the violent-ridden countries mentioned above is cause enough for the international community to come together to prevent armed groups from taking further advantage of vulnerable youth populations. Young children should not be punished for conflicts in which they have no say in. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow and international action is of utmost necessity to ensure these children get the future they rightfully deserve – one free from fear, violence, abuse, and conflict.
Aiding with the de-escalation of violence in many of the countries where children experience violations is another thing international leaders should do. Many children across the world are helplessly turned into victims of war and violence without a way out.
Countries with the highest number of violations of international law against children include the DRC, Israel, the State of Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Yemen. Those in Myanmar, South Sudan, and Burkina Faso experienced quickly deteriorating violence with increased crime against children as have Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.
Violent conflicts have been the direct cause for many children to stop attending school, thereby effectively delaying education and impeding prospects of a successful and full-filing life for many. The basic right to education of all children must be respected and it is necessary that a solution be found to full-fill this basic human right.
In order to escape the escalating violence within their countries, children go to widely perceived “safe-havens” such as schools and hospitals, however, armed groups have begun to take advantage of these peace zones, turning civilians into victims. In 2022, over 1,840 school and hospital attacks have occurred mainly in Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Mali, Afghanistan, the state of Palestine, Israel, and Ukraine. Attacks on schools and hospitals are a grave international offence as they are designated protected civilian objects under international law. Measures must be taken which ensure the access of protected safe zones for children in vulnerable areas as the safety of children should be a priority for the international community.
The international body must work to protect children’s rights, education, and growth within violently cruel environments. As hostilities have the potential of escalating, its imperative for these children that world leaders do everything in their midst to alleviate the increase in violations.
References
“Children and Armed Conflict: Report of the Secretary-General.” United Nations General
Assembly Security Council, June 5, 2023. Accessed 29, June 2023. https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N23/144/96/PDF/N2314496.pdf?OpenElement
“Child Recruitment and Use.” Office of the Special Representative to the Secretary General for
Children and Armed Conflicts. Accessed 29, June 2023. https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/six-grave-violations/child-soldiers/#:~:text=Recruiting%20and%20using%20children%20under,by%20the%20International%20Criminal%20Court
[1] U.N General Assembly Security Council, “Children and Armed Conflict Report.”
[2] Children and Armed Conflict, “Child Recruitment and Use.”
By The European Institute for International Law and International Relations.
