Children caught up in conflict

Introduction

How do we protect children caught in the middle of conflict?

A young boy in Sudan

Children do not start wars, but they are the most vulnerable to their deadly effects. Armed conflict kills and hurts children, disrupts their education, denies them access to much needed health services, and increases poverty, malnutrition and disease.

“Some conflicts leave behind dreadful nightmares that remain as scars on the minds of the sufferers and this in turn affects the society in which these frightened people live.” girl, 14, India

Conflict can also separate children from their parents, or force them to leave their homes. In conflict, children can be forced to witness horrible violence against family members, friends, and neighbours. Children can also be forced into participating in conflict.

Estimated number of children killed in conflicts since 1990: 1.6 million

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