War Child #DiversitySaturday

More about War Child #DiversitySaturday

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Worldwide, an estimated 473 million children grow up in war zones.
The consequences for their development are profound and often lifelong, with trauma beginning even in the womb.

Numbers and Spread:

• According to War Child, 1 in 6 children worldwide live in a conflict area (vrt.be).
• In 2023, the number of children in war rose by 15% to 230 million, partly due to the war in Ukraine (War Child).
• In Ukraine alone, since 2022, more than 2,520 children have died, and many struggle with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety (UNICEF).


Effects on Development:

• Trauma begins during pregnancy: mothers in war often receive insufficient care and nutrition, leading to stress and malnutrition in the unborn child (vrt.be).
• Mental health: children in conflict areas experience loss, fear, isolation, and lack of education. In Ukraine, nearly one-third of teenagers feel so hopeless they can no longer carry out daily activities (UNICEF).
• Physical consequences: children are injured, lose limbs, or are exposed to extreme poverty and violence. In Gaza, at least one child loses a leg every day (vrt.be).
• Social development: without safe play spaces, education, and stable relationships, children miss crucial developmental milestones.


Parental Resilience and Support:

• Despite the circumstances, parents try to raise their children with love. But fear, poverty, and instability make this extremely difficult (vrt.be).
• Organizations such as UNICEF and War Child provide support through healthcare, education, psychological assistance, and protection (UNICEF).


Long-Term Effects:

• War children face an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic health problems, and limited opportunities for work and relationships later in life.
• Without intervention, these effects can reverberate across generations.


With love and respect for all of them worldwide, © Aífe