To raise awareness about the importance of protecting children orphaned by war and to generate efforts to provide them with a better future, the day is observed worldwide. Pandemics have a greater impact on the day during times of pandemics, as orphan children are most affected. Especially in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the day reminds us that caring for children in difficult circumstances is a duty.
On 6 January, the World Day of War Orphans is observed to bring awareness to the plight of war orphans and to address the trauma they suffer.
As a result of war or violence, young people face famine, displacement, inadequate health care and education, as well as irregular childhood. Parentsless children are often abused, discriminated against, or are even criminalized. Therefore, the purpose of war orphans’ day is to recognize their suffering and to act on it, so that they can heal from their battle wounds and lead normal lives.
History of the World Day of War Orphans:
A French NGO, SOS Enfants en Detresse, established World Day for War Orphans to improve the lives of children affected by wars each year. Whenever conflicts erupt, children are among the most vulnerable groups. All minors suffer significant, long-term damage as a result of these types of events. The risk of abuse is increased for children whose parents are killed in conflicts. Children are routinely recruited for fighting, kidnapped, murdered, attacked in schools, sexually abused, sex trafficked, denied access to humanitarian aid, and other egregious violations of their rights. Additionally, abductions, forced marriages, and rapes occur. To protect minors affected by war, it is crucial to increase awareness and efforts.
A youngster under 18 who has lost one or both of their parents for any reason, according to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Currently, it has evolved into a global humanitarian and social catastrophe that is getting worse each day.
UNICEF estimates that there were 140 million orphans in 2015. The number of abandoned children increased between 1990 and 2001. It has been estimated that in the year 2020, approximately 26,425 children’s rights will be violated due to war.
Violence and mental health concerns are silently affecting children, according to reports. Conflict, ethnic strife, and resource disputes have caused millions of children to grow up in conflict. Many of these children have been sexually exploited. We need to remind ourselves on World Day of War Orphans that every child deserves to be cared for.
