New Delhi: World Day of War Orphans is observed every year on January 6. As per UNICEF’s records, nearly a quarter of the world’s children live in conflict or disaster-stricken countries. The plight of a child who lost a parent cannot be confined to just one day, but when war becomes familiar, the suffering of the oppressed takes a backseat. World Day of War Orphans focuses on protecting children from all forms of abuse and mistreatment.
In this article, let us look at the history and importance of the day.
History of World Day of War Orphans
According to UNICEF, an orphan is a child under 18 who has lost one or both parents. Children who lose their parents in tragic events like war often have to live with a surviving family member or enter the foster care system, where they may face poor living conditions, such as malnutrition and disease. The emotional and mental stress they experience is deeply upsetting.
There are fewer orphans in developed countries, but the number is much higher in places affected by war and epidemics. Some children become orphans when they get separated from their parents during the chaos of conflict.
SOS Enfants en Detresses, a French group, established the World Day of War Orphans to help children affected by war. This day is observed every January 6, and it features awareness programmes to help people understand the challenges that orphaned children face.
Significance of Protecting War Orphans
World Day of War Orphans aims to raise awareness and support activities for orphans and underprivileged children worldwide. It invites individuals, governments, and organisations to participate in events at local, national, and international levels.
The goal is to address the rights and problems of orphans and underprivileged children worldwide and work effectively to promote their rights by 2035.
UNICEF reports over 140 million orphans globally, including 52 million in Africa, 10 million in the Caribbean and Latin America, 61 million in Asia, and 7.3 million in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Most orphans live with a remaining parent, grandparent, or other family member.
In 95 per cent of cases, all orphans are over five years old. The number of orphans is low in wealthy countries but is much higher in areas impacted by war or serious diseases.
World Day of War Orphans highlights the plight of children orphaned by conflict. The day aims to raise global awareness and support for these vulnerable children. Millions of children worldwide are affected, facing poverty, abuse and emotional trauma. The day encourages individuals, governments and organisations to participate in initiatives promoting children’s rights and well-being. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
