The United Nations(UN)’s International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is annually observed across the globe on June 4 to raise awareness and advocate actions to safeguard the rights and well-being of children impacted by war, conflict, and abuse.
- Initially focused on Lebanese and Palestinian children affected during the 1982 Lebanon War, especially due to Israeli aggression. Now, the observance extends to all children affected by conflict and violence worldwide.
- Reaffirms the UN’s dedication to protecting children’s rights, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.
2025 marks the 43rd observance of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), during its 7th Emergency Special Session on 19th August 1982, adopted the resolution A/RES/ES-7/8, proclaiming 4th June of every year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
ii.The first observance of the day was held on 4th June 1983.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – 1989:
Adopted in 1989, the UN CRC is a landmark international legal instrument to protect and promote the rights of every child.
Key Principles:
i.Recognizes children as rights holders, not merely dependents or “adults in training.”
ii.Defines childhood as a distinct and protected phase of life, lasting until the age of 18.
iii.Emphasizes that during this phase, children must:Grow and learn;Play and develop and Live with dignity in a safe, nurturing environment
Child Rights Protection – UN Initiatives:
In 1997, the UNGA adopted Resolution A/RES/51/77 on the Rights of the Child, reinforcing the global framework for protecting children, especially in conflict situations.
Highlights of the Resolution:
i.Strengthened the implementation of: Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC); Optional Protocol to the CRC and Annual Rights of the Child Resolutions.
ii.Established the mandate of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict:
Mandate created in 1996 by the UNGA to safeguard children affected by armed conflict.The role has been renewed and expanded periodically.
- Latest renewal through Resolution A/RES/72/245, adopted on 16 December 2021.
Key Facts:
According to the Secretary-General’s Children and Armed Conflict Annual Report published in 2023,
i.Child Casualties: In 2022, over 8,630 children were killed or injured due to armed conflicts — a 5% increase from 2021.
- Over 25% of these deaths were caused by explosives, including bombs, landmines, and war remnants.
ii.Abductions: Around 3,985 children were abducted.
- Top five affected countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, and Mozambique.
iii.Sexual Violence: 1,166 children suffered sexual violence, with 99% victims being girls. Boys were also affected, either directly or as witnesses.
- Most affected countries: Israel & Occupied Palestinian Territory, DRC, Myanmar, Somalia, Nigeria, Sudan.
iv.Denial of Humanitarian Access: In 2023 alone, 5,205 incidents were verified where children were denied access to aid and services.
- Most affected regions: Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Israel & Occupied Palestinian Territory, Mali, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Yemen.
v.Attacks on Schools and Hospitals:1,650 incidents in 2023 targeted schools, hospitals, and medical staff.
vi.Challenges in Birth Registration: 1 in 4 children under the age of five does not have a birth certificate, placing them at greater risk of exploitation and abuse.
Note:According to recent statistics, around 536 million children live in countries affected by conflicts or disasters, and approximately 50 million have been displaced from their homes.
