World Day of War Orphans 2022: History and Significance

06 Jan,22 9:30 am
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World Day of War Orphans 2022

World Day of War Orphans 2022: World Day of War Orphans is observed on 6 January across the globe to create awareness about the plight of the war orphans and to address the traumatic conditions faced by them.

Key Points:

  • The main purpose of observing the day is to spread awareness globally about the need to protect the human rights of children orphaned by wars and to generate efforts to secure a better tomorrow for them.
  • This day is especially significant since it tries to raise consciousness and awareness about the physical and mental condition of a war orphan.
  • Globally, millions of children are orphaned due to war, and they are subjected to a life of hardship, and emotional and physical neglect.

History:

  • World Day for War Orphans was created by SOS Enfants en Detresse, a French organization that works to bring a sense of normalcy to the lives of children affected indirectly by wars and conflict.

Significance:

  • According to UNICEF, In the wars that took place during the last few centuries, roughly half of the victims were civilians — a number that gradually increased until 2001.
  • As of 2015, “there were nearly 140 million orphans globally, including 61 million in Asia, 52 million in Africa, 10 million in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 7.3 million in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
  • Because of war or violence, young people and especially the children are the silent victims are among the most disadvantaged groups, who experience famine, displacement, inadequate health care and education as well as irregular childhood.
  • Parentless children are frequently exposed to abuse, discrimination and even crime.
  • World Day of War orphans is every year observed to highlight the plight of the orphans and also to remind us that every child must be cared for.

The day has more relevance mainly at the time of pandemics as it has the greatest impact on children who are orphaned.

Who is considered an Orphan?

  • As per UNICEF, a child under 18 years of age who has lost one or both parents to any cause of death is considered an orphan.

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