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.

 

© Child Aid International, Canada