Children of War: Broken Lives and Hope for the Future
War is a serious issue, especially for children. People sometimes forget that some children lived their childhood during war or in conflict areas. Imagine going through the childhood phase amidst the heat of battle, bombs, terror, and difficult access to education or food. The childhood phase that should have been filled with fun, laughter, joy, and happiness was destroyed due to war and conflicts. This certainly has a significant impact on the growth of children. Hence, it is essential to increase public awareness of the importance of seeing children who lived their childhood in times of war or in conflict areas.
The Impact of War on Children
Based on a report written by Siri Aas Rustad & Andreas Forø Tollefsen, in 2019, 1.6 billion children (69%) were living in a conflict-affected country [1]. Take a look at children during World War 2; Imperial War Museum said that during the Blitz–the German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom, in 1940 and 1941, during the Second World War–7,736 children were killed and 7,622 seriously wounded [2].
It pains to look at those numbers. This shows that children are greatly affected by the occurrence of wars and conflicts in the world. Children are among the most vulnerable groups in relation to new wars, as they face forced displacement, loss of homes and families, separation from parents, and all aspects of armed conflict.
Even more, war endangers the physical and mental health of children, who are killed, tortured, separated from their families, maimed, or wounded, and suffer from malnutrition and infectious diseases. Children are also often recruited as child soldiers and are at increased risk of injury and harm to others.
The childhood phase, which should have been educated, receiving nutritious food, and learning many things, was destroyed by war and conflict. School closures deprive children of one of their most important protective factors and leave lifelong scars on education and employment. Destruction, poverty, and violence create a vicious circle that perpetuates the effects of war on children [3].
War and conflict also have long-term effects on children. The long-term effects of war on children can be severe and far-reaching. Children who experience conflict can have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems, which can persist into adulthood. The trauma they experience can also affect their ability to form relationships, hold a job, and participate fully in society. Without adequate support and resources, these children may struggle to cope with their challenges, making it imperative that governments and aid organizations prioritize their post-conflict needs [4].
It can be seen that there are many impacts of war and conflict on children. The effects above may only be a part of the many impacts on children who grow up in times of war or conflict areas.
Children as Agents of Change
Among the devastating effects of war on children are inspiring examples of children being active agents of change in conflict areas. Malala Yousafzai was shot dead by the Taliban for campaigning for girls’ education in Pakistan. Despite the attacks, Malala continued her activism, and her message of education and women’s rights has impacted countless people worldwide. It has helped raise awareness of the need for equal access to education for all children, regardless of gender [5].
Malala Yousafzai’s journey as an activist began at 11 when she began blogging for the BBC about life under Taliban rule in Pakistan. She campaigned for girls’ education and spoke out against the Taliban’s ban on girls from attending school.
In 2012, Malala was attacked and shot dead by the Taliban on her way to school, but she survived the attack, and she continued her activities from her hospital bed in England. Her education and her messages on women’s rights have inspired countless people worldwide and become a symbol of hope for those fighting for equality and justice. Malala has used her voice and platform to raise her way worldwide and of her education and to inspire others to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.
Malala Yousafzai is an example that shows how children can be powerful advocates for change when faced with conflict and violence. Despite facing tremendous challenges, children demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination, inspiring others to join them in the fight for a better future. By defending their rights and speaking out against injustice, children can make a lasting difference and build a more peaceful world for all.
Education: Essential Aspect of Peacebuilding
Education is a vital tool in reducing the devastating effects of war on children. If children can get an education, they can better cope with difficult situations and acquire the knowledge and skills to help them overcome war trauma. Education can also instill a sense of stability and a sense of everyday life. This is a significant benefit to help them overcome war traumas in their homes or who have lost loved ones to conflict.
Moreover, education can give children hope for the future and a reason to believe that there is a way forward even after experiencing violence and destruction. Education helps children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. All of these are essential to building a better world. Furthermore, education helps promote peace and reconciliation by providing children with opportunities to learn about different cultures, stories, and perspectives. This exposure helps build empathy and understanding. This is essential for bridging divisions and resolving conflicts peacefully [6].
Overall, education is a powerful tool for reducing the impact of war on children, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to meet challenges and build a more peaceful and just future.
Hope for the Future
Despite the immense challenges facing children in conflict zones, there is hope for a brighter future. Organizations such as UNICEF and Save the Children are working tirelessly to provide children with access to education, health care, and other essential services. These efforts have helped improve the lives of countless children around the world and give them hope for a brighter future [7].
There are also many moving stories of children who overcame great challenges and overcame adversity to achieve great things. Her resilience and determination are powerful reminders of the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit. By supporting these efforts and continuing to work for the rights and welfare of children affected by war, we can create a better future for all.
Ultimately, peace is vital to the well-being and development of children. War and conflict can disrupt children’s lives, rob them of their childhood and have long-lasting negative effects on their physical and mental health. Children who have experienced war can suffer trauma, displacement, loss of loved ones, and limited access to education and basic needs. Lack of peace also affects the future of these children, as they may be deprived of opportunities to reach their full potential and contribute to society. It is therefore essential that individuals, governments, and international organizations work together to create a world free of violence and conflict so that all children can thrive and live in peace.
By: Amira Nisa Adli (IE’22)
Staff of Journalistic Bureau SNF FEB UI
SNF FEB UI 2022–2023
Reference
[1] Aas Rustad, S., & Forø Tollefsen, A. (2020). Children Affected by Armed Conflict, 1990–2019 — World. ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/children-affected-armed-conflict-1990-2019
[2] IWM. (2018). Growing Up In The Second World War. Imperial War Museums. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/growing-up-in-the-second-world-war
[3] War Childhood Museum. (n.d.). Impact of War on Children. War Childhood Museum. https://warchildhood.org/impact-of-war-on-children/
[4] Akbulut-Yuksel, M. (2022, May 10). Unaccounted long-term health cost of wars on wartime children. CEPR. https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/unaccounted-long-term-health-cost-wars-wartime-children
[5] Blumberg, N. (2018). Malala Yousafzai | Biography & Facts. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Malala-Yousafzai
[6] Their World Org. (2015, November 30). Why education is vital in the process of building peace. Theirworld. https://theirworld.org/news/why-education-is-vital-in-the-process-of-building-peace/
[7] Unicef. (n.d.). Children Under Attack. Www.unicef.org. https://www.unicef.org/children-under-attack