Today, the world marks the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
Established by the United Nations in 1982, this day aims to acknowledge the pain suffered by children who are victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse in armed conflict areas.
The day which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on promoting peace and justice and securing a better future for children shed light on the suffering faced by children in war zones.
This day serves to renew global commitment to protecting the rights of children and ensuring their safety and well-being.
According to the United Nations, children continue to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict, and the number of children verified as affected by grave violations increased to 27,180 in 2022 compared with 2021.
The grave violations include killing, maiming, recruitment, and sexual violence.
In November 2023, UNICEF reported that nearly 400 million children or about one child in every five are living in conflict zones
To commemorate this day various organizations worldwide hold events and campaigns to spread awareness for the need to protect children. Some communities hold events to raise awareness about the realities of violence against children.
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is an essential reminder that children must never face violence or aggression.
It urges governments, policymakers, communities, and individuals to prioritize children's well-being and rights and to take concrete steps to prevent and address aggression against them.
