Children of war: how can we ensure child safety in times of conflict?

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Yusra Abid Shah, a recent medical graduate from the National University of Science and Technology Oman . She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

The 1949 Geneva Convention, adopted by the United Nations, prohibits the deliberate targeting of children during times of conflict. However, throughout history, children have disproportionately borne the brunt of wars, and this has only worsened over time.

Two ongoing conflicts starkly illustrate the devastating consequences of war on children. The Yemen civil war, ongoing since 2014, has rapidly evolved into one of the worst humanitarian crises in history. Over 11,000 children have suffered fatalities or severe injuries. Moreover, preventable illnesses such as malnutrition, cholera, measles, and diphtheria have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of children.

Similarly, in the Gaza conflict, approximately 10,000 children lost their lives in just 100 days, leaving around 1.1 million children without sufficient assistance. Regrettably, there seems to be no foreseeable end to their suffering as the conflict persists.

Ensuring the safety of children is paramount. Establishing safety shelters away from conflict zones is imperative, and governments involved in conflict must refrain from targeting these areas. Although these zones maybe targeted deliberately, as seen in the war in gaza, responsible parties must be held accountable for their actions. Additionally, children must be safeguarded against recruitment into armed groups as child soldiers.

Safety zones should also encompass hospitals to ensure access to medical care for all children in need. Access to safe water, sanitation, and food is crucial to prevent outbreaks and combat malnutrition among children. Furthermore, temporary schools should be accessible to provide stability in children’s lives. Psychosocial support, including spaces for play, art, and activities, is vital due to the significant emotional toll of war on children.

Priority should be given to family reunification to ensure that children are cared for by their families whenever possible. Adequate finances and proactive planning are essential for implementing these measures. Governments must allocate funds in advance to prepare for potential conflicts, facilitating a smooth transition to minimize disruptions to children’s daily routines.

References

1. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/geneva-convention-relative-protection-civilian-persons-time-war#:~:text=Article%2024,-The%20Parties%20to&text=The%20Parties%20to%20the%20conflict%20shall%20facilitate%20the%20reception%20of,stated%20in%20the%20first%20paragraph.
2. Honwana, A. (2008). Children’s Involvement in War: Historical and Social Contexts. The Journal of the History of Childhood and Youth 1(1), 139149. https://doi.org/10.1353/hcy.2008.0004.
3. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/more-11000-children-killed-or-injured-yemen
4. https://www.emro.who.int/yemen/news/cholera-and-malnutrition-in-yemen-a-real-threat-to-millions-of-people.html
5. https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/life-for-children-growing-up-conflict-yemen
6. https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/gaza-10000-children-killed-nearly-100-days-war
7. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/1/6/safe-zones-israels-technologies-of-genocide
8. https://www.unicef.org/children-under-attack/change-agenda#:~:text=All%20warring%20parties%20must%20fulfil,services%20on%20which%20they%20rely.

About the author

Yusra Abid Shah is a recent medical graduate from the National University of Science and Technology Oman and currently doing her internship. She is particularly interested in improving medical education and research.