International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed annually to acknowledge and act against the suffering of children who are victims of physical, emotional, and mental abuse. The day creates awareness about the various forms of violence faced by children, and encourages worldwide efforts for their protection and wellbeing. Being the second-most populous country with the largest population of children, India observes this day to show its commitment in ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for its future citizens.

This day was established on August 19, 1982 by the United Nations after being confronted with the horrible images of innocent child victims of Lebanon War. Over the years, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression has evolved from focusing on a specific conflict to a broader framework of global concerns, including child labor, child trafficking, abuse, and exploitation. India faces challenges in defending its children from various abuses, which give the observance of this day a deeper significance in the Indian context.

In line with the purpose of this day, several awareness programs, community discussions, campaigns, and policy dialogues are conducted throughout India to tackle child abuse and promote the rights of children. By marking the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression on June 4th, India continues to play its part in the global effort to ensure a safer and brighter future for all children.

Facts about Children Victims of Aggression

• According to the UN, more than 1 billion children around the world are affected by violence. This violence costs societies up to $7 trillion a year.
• According to the UN, the 6 most common violations against children around the world are:
  1) Recruitment and use of children in war
  2) Killing
  3) Sexual violence
  4) Abduction
  5) Attacks on schools and hospitals
  6) The denial of humanitarian access
• According to UNICEF, it is estimated that around 1 in 4 children worldwide experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in their childhood.
• Despite being illegal, child marriage remains a prevalent issue in India, particularly affecting young girls. According to UNICEF, 27% of girls in India are married before they turn 18 years old, with some regions experiencing even higher rates of child marriage.
• India is significantly affected by child trafficking, which leads to children being subjected to various forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation and forced labor. UNICEF reports that an estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked globally each year, and India is considered a primary source, transit, and destination country for this.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Donate to charities that help end violence against children. Some examples include the End Violence Fund and World Vision.
• Watch a documentary or flim on the victims of child abuse in India. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Sold (2016) - A drama film about a young girl from Nepal who becomes a victim of child trafficking in India.
  2. The Invisible War (2012) - A documentary that sheds light on the issue of child sexual abuse in India's institutions, such as schools and orphanages.
  3. Daughters of Destiny (2017) - A Netflix documentary series that follows the lives of five Indian girls from impoverished backgrounds who attend the Shanti Bhavan school, focusing on breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and abuse.
• Read a book to learn about the victims of child abuse in India. Here are our top picks:
  1. Child Abuse and Neglect in India: Myth and Reality by Parul Dave-Mukherji
  2. The Dark Room: Child Abuse in India by Dr. Poonam Parashar
  3. Child Abuse and Neglect in India: Untangling the Knot by Sujata Deshpande
  4. Street Children and Juvenile Justice in India: A Socio-legal Study by Shalu Nigam