International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is annually observed by the UN on 4 June. It was established in 1982. The UN’s purpose expanded to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. This day affirms the UN’s commitment to protect the rights of children. It was a landmark development in efforts to improve the protection of children in conflict situations.

Childhood is one of the most important parts of life and it is our childhood that develops our character and persona for years to come. It becomes utmost important that children grow up in an environment that is suitable for their mental and physical wellbeing. Molestation, attacks, and violence on children in almost every country have given rise to the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Children are our country’s future. If they are exposed to violence at an early age, it will affect them for the rest of their lives. Children who have been subjected to maltreatment at an early age are more likely to engage in criminal activity and abuse in their adult life.

One of the most horrific and unimaginable phenomena that can happen to children is taking away their Rights and using them as human slaves. The COVID-19 Pandemic has bought the spotlight back on child abuse and many countries are struggling to address this issue and find a proper long-term solution. Molestation, attack, and mental torture on children are increasing at an alarming rate globally. Children are at risk of being exploited due to the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Child labour, child abuse and child slavery are currently on a rise in many countries. Child abuse and violence on children can have a cascading effect on the social-political and economic aspects of a country.

In recent years, the number of violations perpetrated against children have, in many conflict zones, increased. More needs to be done to protect the millions of children living in countries and areas affected by conflict. More must be done to protect children from targeting by violent extremists, to promote international humanitarian and human rights law, and to ensure accountability for violations of the rights of children.

Somewhere in the world, every 7 minutes, a child is being killed by violence. Trillions of Dollars are spent annually on children affected by abuse.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides us with the universal masterplan to secure a better future for children. The new agenda included for the first time a specific target to end all forms of violence against children, and ending the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children who are mainstreamed across several other violence-related targets.

How To Observe International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression?

• Children’s rights must be protected, and we must participate in campaigns and other initiatives to raise public awareness of child exploitation.
• Support organisations who work towards protecting the Right of Children.
• If you know a child is being abuse, report it to the local police station.
• State Leaders to formulate stringent policies and laws in place to prevent any form of child abuse.