Protecting the rights of children

It is heart-breaking that during armed conflicts, children are among the worst affected. The six most common ways their rights are violated are: recruitment and use of children in war, killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals and denial of humanitarian access for children. Millions of children globally are caught up in conflicts in which they are not just bystanders, but targets.

Having recently observed the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression on June 4, we should acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who have been victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. People should voice their concerns about the inadequate protection of the rights of children across the globe and particularly in conflict zones.