Every year on 4th June the United Nations observes the International Children Victims of Aggression day. It was established on 19 August 1982, when the entire focus was to acknowledge the suffering of the children throughout the world who are victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse in the Lebanon War.
Since then, the day was declared as UN’s commitment to protect the rights of children globally.
After Myanmar’s violent military campaign in 2017, thousands of Rohingya children who encountered the brutality of the Myanmar military, are now dwelling in the Refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Amongst them, 52% of children were found to be reported in the various stage of mental trauma and are often unhappy, or downhearted. As a result, immediate psychosocial support is imperative along with food, shelter, education, and security.
In terms of education in Refugee camps of Bangladesh, they need some form or formal education, in order to pursue further. Also, many young children are engaged in work in order to survive.
Currently, there are many child-friendly spaces within the camps to promote the mental wellbeing of children. However, their numbers are not enough.
Finally, a consolidated study and strategy are needed to ensure the mental and physical safety of the Rohingya refugee children and to have a road map for their future.
