Syria’s children in danger
The involvement of children in armed conflicts remains a grave humanitarian concern, with devastating consequences for young lives across the globe.
From Yemen to Syria and beyond, children face death, injury, trauma, and lost opportunities for education and normal development. The recruitment of child soldiers in various regions further compounds this tragedy. To address this critical issue, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes strengthening the enforcement of international laws protecting children in conflict zones, increasing support for refugee education and mental health services, implementing effective reintegration programs for former child soldiers, promoting peace education globally, and improving early warning systems to protect civilians. By prioritizing these efforts and addressing the root causes of conflict, we can strive towards a future where children are shielded from the horrors of war and allowed to thrive in peace.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has left an unprecedented 7.5 million children in dire need of humanitarian aid, marking the highest number since the war began 13 years ago. Persistent violence, displacement, economic turmoil, severe deprivation, disease outbreaks, and the devastating earthquakes of 2023 have exposed countless children to long-lasting physical and psychological harm. Chronic malnutrition now affects over 650,000 children under five, a significant increase of about 150,000 since 2019. This stunting causes irreversible damage to children's physical and cognitive growth, hindering their future learning abilities, productivity, and earning potential. Recent surveys reveal alarming rates of psychological distress among Syrian children, with 34% of girls and 31% of boys reporting such issues in northern Syria. In earthquake-affected areas, the situation is even more critical, with 83% of respondents indicating severe behavioral and psychological distress among children. These compounding crises have created a generation of Syrian children facing unprecedented challenges to their health, development, and future prospects.
Written by Oraz Dastan
