Report: Armed conflicts take violations of children's rights as well
In addition to armed conflicts and violence, children and adolescents worldwide continue to suffer from the effects of the Corona-Pandemic, as stated in the KidsRights Annual Report. For instance, vaccination rates among children in developing countries and nearly one third of western European countries have regressed.
Further threats to children's rights are reportedly "disasters caused by climate change and the resulting displacement" of families. However, the report also highlights "positive and consistent efforts" from countries like Denmark and Great Britain to exit the use of fossil fuels.
The report underscores "the devastating effects of the worsening Crisis on Children and their Rights", stated Marc Dullaert, founder of KidsRights. Decades of progress are being undone by the many crises occurring simultaneously. Another consequence is a "mental health crisis among children and young people worldwide". The increase in armed conflicts raises the risk of post-traumatic stress disorders.
Dullaert demanded from governments worldwide an acknowledgement that the UN's sustainability goals regarding children's rights, including the ending of poverty and hunger and access to quality education, are unlikely to be achieved. According to the report, Luxembourg is the country best shielding children's rights in 2024. Afghanistan is on the bottom of the list.
KidsRights is best known for granting the International Children's Peace Prize. Notable laureates include Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist, and Malala Yousafzai, the later Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Pakistan.
- Despite the challenges posed by conflicts and the Coronavirus, the report emphasizes the need to uphold Children's Rights, particularly in countries like Ukraine.
- Unfortunately, the report reveals an increase in violations of Children's Rights, including the use of Children Soldiers, in conflict zones like Sudan and the Gaza Strip.
- The report further discusses the impact of climate change and resulting displacement on Children's Rights, highlighting instances in various parts of the world.
- The use of fossil fuels continues to pose a threat to Children's Rights, but the report commends countries like Denmark and Great Britain for working towards exiting fossil fuels.
- The report warns of a potential increase in mental health issues among children due to the rise in armed conflicts, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorders.
- In light of these challenges, KidsRights calls for governments worldwide to acknowledge the importance of the UN's sustainability goals for children's rights and work towards their achievement.
