International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

Olivia Gurumayum *

As we are in the middle of the Covid19 crisis, we see high tide rising day by day. It is still vague to see the endgame of woe anywhere soon. From newborn to an elderly not a single range of age left out the attack. We are in a new environment continuing to live since a year ago we have no other choice but to keep learning how to adapt to this in order to fight against our common invisible foe.

We all know, by now, the protocols of how to stop the chain of this deadly infectious disease. But, how many of us are following it strictly that's the question. Some petite population still pays for not following the rules could be one of the many reasons why the deadly chain gets longer and stronger.

Let's accept this; some of the fellow citizens are not taking enough responsibility by not following the pronouncement made regarding the pandemic. To err is human but to keep erring is intentional that leads to a disaster.

We are living in a large population nation. We have groups of different mindsets of people. The opinions of the infection just bombarded us from every side. Many news has circulated, both fact and fake.

Whichever information we take gives one common message, i.e., we must take care of ourselves, near and dear ones, and those around us. The news we get to hear is a nightmare, the siren of an ambulance is like a panic button.

Thanks to the announcement made to mute the button to keep the environment less panicky except for some innocent children who get excited with the sound. What would they know of the world that's upside down invaded by this Hydra of Lerna-like creature just that Covid 19 spreads like wildfire and other regrow its head?

Yes, Children, What do they understand of the environment that they have been exposed to? It is when they face the impact of it we realize how much they have gone through. Before that, they are just a kid.

Many children at their young age experienced mental, physical, and emotional abuse by a known or unknown person. There are many cases of children exploiting in different situations like human trafficking, war, attacks on schools, etc. we often find reports of children abused physically in the newspaper or news.

There must be many similar incidents that may not report out of fear and suffer silently. Every adult must understand how important it is to nourish and encourage them at their early age to have a better future. Oftentimes we judge those with substance abuse without even trying to know the root cause of it.

There could be reasons for a person showing harmful behavior or misdoing instead of understanding the causes and correcting them we often beat them up or harass them. Many times that their lives are taken for granted.

As we see from the reports of Israel- Palestinian conflicts many children have been killed and injured in the violence. And, those who survive will they be able to cope up with the distress they are facing?

The early year of every child is the most vulnerable stage that they have no understanding of the adverse effect that can give a prolonged negative impact on their later period of life. Exposing them to an aggressive environment or in an abusive emotional situation will have mental health problems or may even lead to drug abuse in their adult life.

We often judge those with deviant behaviour rather than helping them to pull out of that rabbit hole. The conflicting or aggressive environment is an albatross for every child in their life journey. It is important to acknowledge and help them weigh-off any kinds of problems that they are going through.

Every child has the right to live and protect them from any situations that would make their life crippled for the rest of their lives.

As we know, every situation has its cause and effect even the perpetrator must have their reason to carry out such heinous act without having to think of the consequences they would face. Even in this 21st C we often hear of harming innocent or abusing them in every possible way for no reason.

What could be the reason for the perpetrator to become violent? One reason could be that they must have been once a victim of the aggression.

If we want children to be in the right path, then, we, as an adult, have to guide them. However, before we guide them we must ask ourselves if we are on the right path. As children merely listen to advice, they learn faster through imitation of those around them.

The United Nations observed June 4 as International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression each year. The purpose of the day is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children from all over the world who are the victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. This day affirms the UN's commitment to protecting the rights of children.