It is a very sad truth that in circumstances where armed conflict sets in, it is the majority of the unguarded members of the society i.e. the children, who are largely affected by the upshots of war. The six most familiar violations are use and recruitment of children in killing, abduction, war, attacks on hospitals and schools, sexual violence and contradiction of humanitarian access.
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is commemorated worldwide on 4th of June every year.
It serves as an occasion to remember the sacred duty which is enshrined in the declaration of Rights of Children in the United Nations to ensure that each and every child enjoys special protection.
The day offers an opportunity to recognize the sufferings of the children worldwide who are the victims of aggression.
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2019 was observed worldwide on 4th of June, Tuesday.
Forest Whitaker, UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, called for an action and commitments to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflicts and to end the violations against children.
Punjab Chief Minister, Capt. Amrinder Singh gave a message on the occasion to protect the rights of children in the world. Various national and international leaders also reiterated their pledge to protect the rights of the children and urged the global community to come forward and provide their support to the children who are the victims of wars and aggressions.
Various campaigns, talks and discussions were also conducted on the occasion to protect the rights of the children who have been the victims of war conflicts and aggression. The day also educated people on the issue and made them aware about the condition of the children who fall victim to the wars and aggression between countries.
On 19th of August in 1982, at its special emergency session, the members of the General Assembly of Palestine were largely dismayed because of the large number of innocent Lebanese and Palestinian children being the victims of the aggression acts by the Israel’s. Thus, the assembly decided to celebrate every year 4th of June as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression under the resolution ES-7/8. The main objective of the day is to highlight the sufferings of children all over the world who have been the victims of abuse, mentally, emotionally or physically. The day affirms the commitment of the United Nations to safeguard children and their rights.
Child abuse statistics in its numerous forms is extremely horrifying. It comprises around 10 million child refuges that are taken care by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, around 2 million children in the past two decades being killed during the conflicts, and around 80000 children dying every year in Caribbean and Latin America region as a result of violence breaking out in their families.
The main purpose of celebration of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is to spread awareness on the sufferings and pain of children as they are the victims of abuse. The day is set aside to acknowledge the organizations and even private individuals who are involved in safeguarding the rights of those children who are maltreated in various parts of the world.
It helps people all across the globe to get awareness of the abuse that the children are going through and how it all can be prevented. Key thoughts that reflect the celebration of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression include-
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is celebrated all across the globe to acknowledge the sufferings of children. On the day, various organizations and individuals join hands by taking part in campaigns which primarily focus on preserving the rights of children.
Children exposed to injustice and poverty are protected and empowered on this day, directly by campaigns that spread awareness and indirectly with the medium of climate change and urbanization. Roles played by the government in protecting the rights of children in a nation are also highlighted on the day.
Personalities like Albert Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, Malala Yosuf and various others who have overcome difficult situations in life and attained success in their fields are also quoted on the day to motivate children who are suffering in one way or the other. Various international organizations like Child Hope and Uganda are committed to the protection of children against abuse, particularly in schools.
Some of the examples of events held in recent years across the world are as follows:
India
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is celebrated on 4th June every year in India to acknowledge the sufferings of children across the globe. Several events are organized in child care organizations in the country where debates are held on the protection of child rights. Children are made aware about their rights to lead their lives with respect and dignity.
Children are also taught about the moral values which are the most crucial aspect of development and growth in them. A range of activities are organized for children including cultural activities like singing and dance, motivational speeches, painting competitions etc. Children are also awarded with prizes in painting and other activities.
Australia
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression acts as a reminder of our duties to uphold the rights of children declared by the United Nations. The day is celebrated in Australia every year. Non-profit organizations in the country like Child Wise work whole year towards protecting children from exploitation and abuse. They also work to deliver education, build awareness and provide tools for empowering communities as well as individuals to prevent the child exploitation and abuse actively.
On the day, these organizations hold special programs for the children and make them aware about their rights. Events are also held in schools and activities like drama, group dance, speech deliveries on the victims of aggression etc are organized for the children.
Canada
While, it is significant to think about children who have been the victims of war each and every time of the year, the day represents a particular poignant time to exhibit on the life of children affected by war. In Canada, wars have harmfully affected the children, especially girls. Girls are taken as mine workers or soldiers in the country and are mostly used as slaves of sex by the male soldiers.
In a country, where there is a deep impact on children due to violence, the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression holds high significance. Schools celebrate the day by making their students aware about peace building and reconciliation. Various social organizations also take active participation in observing the day by supporting projects that provide help to the children of the areas affected by war.
Africa
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression was first celebrated in the year of 1983 to recognize the pain suffered by children around the world. In Africa, efforts are made towards protecting children from abuse, violence and exploitation.
The day serves as an occasion to recognize the pain, and also the resilience, which is experienced by the children that are affected by violence. People of the country, work towards solutions for the protection of children and also work towards holding the perpetrators accountable. Specials actions are also taken by the government in this direction.
In a country like India, there is a myriad of classes, races, religions and castes. The rates of poverty are also staggering. With such a situation of our country, one can imagine the extent of exploitation and violence suffered by the children every day.
According to a report in 2007 published by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, children between 5 to 12 age groups are at a greater risk of abuse and neglect, with girls suffering the most because of the prejudices of India against them. Many children work as laborers and prostitution and child trafficking remains amongst the most unsettling affairs in the context of aggression of children.
However, 83% violence was reported for emotional abuse by the parents. Thus, the home remains amongst the darkest and the most disturbing places for a child in our country. The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression provides a golden opportunity to raise awareness on the sufferings of children. Here are some suggestions to celebrate the day in India:
Conclusion
Violence, when faced at a young age scars an individual for life. Children who have experienced abuse are nine times more seemingly to get involved in criminal activities. As adults, they are even more likely to get abusive in their relationships. Despite, they are the future of our nation. And, it is at the time of adolescence and childhood that a person’s personality is shaped for the future.
Each and everyone amongst us have a responsibility to preserve the fundamental rights of the children. Let us not snatch away the innocent childhood form these young minds who are the leaders of tomorrow. Organizations and even individuals can contribute a bit by taking active participation in campaigns that preserve each and every child from exploitation, violence and abuse.
And, the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression provides the best platform for this. It is the time for people worldwide to be aware about the effect of abuse monstrosity against the children in all forms. It is the time for give their best in protecting the rights of the children.