A recent report from Save the Children reveals that children in conflict zones are facing increased violence, with the highest number of grave violations reported in almost two decades. The 10 worst affected countries include Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Somalia, Syria, and Ukraine. In 2023, there were 31,721 cases of grave violations, indicating 87 violations per day. The Middle East had the highest proportion of children living in conflict zones, with the occupied Palestinian territories recording the largest total number of violations. The most prevalent violations were killing and maiming, with an average of 31 children affected per day. Denial of humanitarian access also reached a historic high, particularly in the occupied territories.
The impact on children in Gaza, Sudan, and other conflict-ridden areas is devastating. Families are being displaced multiple times, facing trauma and distress. Children dream of peace and a better future, but the ongoing conflicts have taken a toll on their mental and physical well-being. In Sudan, children like Janat are hopeful for peace and aspire to become doctors and travel the world. However, the harsh realities of war, displacement, and lack of access to basic services continue to hinder their dreams. Save the Children professionals are working to provide support and relief to children in these conflict zones through psychological treatment and other interventions. The plea from children like Janat is for leaders to end the wars and ensure the safety and security of all vulnerable children caught in these crises.
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