International Day for Innocent Children Victims of Aggression Observed

Kathmandu. Today is the International Day for Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. This day, which began to be celebrated in 1982 at the call of the United Nations, aims to draw global attention to the violence, abuse, and rights violations against children due to war and armed conflict.

According to the United Nations, children in war-torn areas are unable to stay safely at home, study in school, play, or receive treatment in hospitals. Children are directly affected by serious incidents such as murder, physical harm, abduction, sexual violence, attacks on schools and health facilities, and obstruction of humanitarian aid access.

According to the annual report 'Children and Armed Conflict' released by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, grave violations against children in 2024 increased by 25 percent compared to the previous year. The report states that 41,370 grave violations affecting 22,495 children worldwide were verified.

The report mentions that the highest number of violations were recorded in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories with 8,554, the Democratic Republic of Congo with 4,043, Somalia with 2,568, Nigeria with 2,436, and Haiti with 2,269.

According to the report, killing and physical harm are the most serious violations against children. In 2024 alone, 11,967 children were affected by this. Most children became victims due to explosives, remnants of war, landmines, improvised explosive devices, and attacks in densely populated areas.

The report states that thousands of children have been recruited by armed groups and military forces and used in combat and support roles. Abduction and use as child soldiers have reportedly increased.

Incidents of sexual violence against children are also increasing. Although girls are more affected, boys are also victims of sexual violence. The UN states that such incidents are reported less frequently due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of adequate support services.

The report also mentions a worrying increase in obstruction of humanitarian aid access in 2024. Conflict parties have attacked vehicles carrying relief supplies and aid workers, and by creating restrictions on movement and administrative obstacles, children have been deprived of basic services including health, education, and protection.

The United Nations has confirmed approximately two thousand attacks on schools and hospitals last year. The report states that such incidents have further affected children's access to education and health services and increased their risks in conflict zones.

The world body has emphasized the need to address the root causes of conflict, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and prioritize child protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs to end grave violations against children.

Meanwhile, child rights activist and author of the United Nations' historic report 'Children and Armed Conflict', Dr. Graça Machel, said that ensuring the safety of children is the shared responsibility of adults. She emphasized that the international community must show greater commitment to building a peaceful world where every child's rights are protected and ensured.

"Children are children first. It is our responsibility to protect them and build a peaceful world where all their rights are ensured," she said in a message issued on this occasion.