January 6 marks the World Day of War Orphans, dedicated to recognising the challenges faced by children orphaned due to the impacts of war, invasions, or military conflicts. Founded by the humanitarian organisation SOS – Enfants en Detresse (SOSEED) in France, the day serves as a poignant reminder of the global plight of war orphans. SOSEED operates internationally, striving to safeguard orphans and children from mistreatment and abuse.
This year, heightened conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Israel, Russia and Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan, or the factions in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, have unfortunately resulted in an increased number of war orphans. The World Day of War Orphans stands as a call to action for collective efforts to address the needs and hardships of these vulnerable children.
World Day Of War Orphans: Significance
The World Day of War Orphans holds profound significance as it strives towards the overarching objective of upholding child rights and reinstating a sense of normalcy in the lives of children affected by conflicts. In regions marred by conflict, the challenges are arduous for everyone, but they take an even more devastating toll on orphaned children, who bear the emotional burden of losing their parents.
War orphans, in particular, face heightened susceptibility to illness and exploitation. They are at a heightened risk of falling victim to human trafficking, recruitment as child soldiers or for begging gangs, and forced labour. Recognising this day prompts a collective commitment to safeguarding and advocating for the welfare of these vulnerable children in the aftermath of war.
As per Save The Children, a staggering “1 in 6 of the world’s children live in a conflict zone”. The international child rights non-profit mentions the following countries as the 10 most dangerous countries for children living in conflict- Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic Of Congo, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Mali, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
As the world is dealing with intensified global conflicts, the need to protect orphans from man-made tragedies is more dire than ever.
World Day Of War Orphans 2024 Theme
The 2024 World Day of War Orphans is “Orphan Lives Matter.”
World Day Of War Orphans Quotes
- “We can point the finger at adults for the stupid decisions they make in life, but an orphaned child can never be blamed for the situation in which they find themselves.” – Kevin Ansbro
- “The wars don’t end when you sign peace treaties or when the years go by. They will echo on until I’m gone and all the widows and orphans are gone.” – Tim O’Brien
- “What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.” – David Platt
- “Families don’t have to match. You don’t have to look like someone else to love them.” –Leigh Anne Tuohy.
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