Virginia Gamba, the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, has strongly condemned the international community for its inaction regarding the suffering of children in war zones. In a statement released on New Year’s Eve, she voiced her outrage at the world’s silence while children continue to endure violence and exploitation in conflict-ridden regions.
“Their cries echo through the chaos, but we often turn a deaf ear,” Gamba lamented, pointing out that as time passes, more innocent children become victims of war. She drew attention to the disturbing rise in children being recruited by armed groups in areas like Colombia, the Sahel, Sudan, and Haiti.
In her statement, Gamba underscored that in 2024, child casualties from landmines and explosives, as well as attacks on schools and hospitals, are expected to surge, with children making up 30% of landmine-related casualties in places like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. She called for immediate action to ensure that children’s rights are respected during conflict, advocating for safe humanitarian access, the protection of schools, and a ban on landmines.
As the world enters 2025, Gamba’s message is clear: it’s time to replace indifference with compassion and make peace a priority. She urged world leaders to uphold their commitments to children, ensuring their survival and well-being amid the violence that continues to plague so many parts of the globe.
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