The
protracted and growing civil unrest in Iraq is having an extremely
adverse impact on Iraqi civilians, particularly the children. On
a daily basis, Iraqi children are directly and indirectly affected
by ongoing violence. The mounting numbers of civilians who are losing
their lives seems to be increasing in an alarming manner.
The
wounds inflicted by conflict on children are immense. Armed conflict
affects all aspects of child development - physical, mental and
emotional. Moreover, thousands of children have suffered from
the loss of one or both parents, figures who typically play an
integral role in a child’s well-being and healthy development.
Equally
disturbing is the fact that due to civil upheaval, other forms
of protection of orphan children, particularly government and
community support systems have either deteriorated or not been
developed. The special needs of adolescents are also being overlooked
during this tumultuous period.
In
addition to suffering from the devastating effects of losing one
or both parents, the current unrest in the country is having extremely
destructive effects on the basic human rights (including education,
health, nutrition, and water) of Iraqi children.
