Many are locked up and unable to return to their families and villages (Africa News Service). Girls are assigned domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning and caring for younger children. Boys are assigned warfare tasks such as fighting, kidnapping and stealing (Klasen, Fionna, et al). Surprisingly, children are exposed to violence from a young age. This exposure influences their behaviors and actions during and after the war. Unfortunately, governments are taking advantage of children to further their own political agenda. I believe that no individual should be exploited, especially children, when they have their whole lives ahead of them. .
After war, children are left with many deformities and wounds due to the intense violence of the war. Others die from the direct violence. Many children suffer landmine injuries and lose limbs and sometimes many even have to wait years before receiving a prosthetic, artificial limb (Barbara). After war, the general health of the children declines, since they do not have good nutrition, clean water and access to healthcare. In addition, carrying heavy equipment can lead to deformities. Because of widespread malnutrition, many children become more vulnerable to diseases such as malaria and cholera (Child Soldiers). According to War Child, during the wars, hospitals and health centers are destroyed and there is a lack of doctors and nurses. Many children die, due to lack of straightforward treatment (War Child). Women and girls [suffer] sexual abuse, rape, early forced marriages and pregnancies (Kalifani, Liebling and Mwaka). I find it horrifying that so many innocent children are exploited and killed for reasons beyond their control. Children deserve to feel safe and experience childhood, instead of being exposed to the cruel realities of war. .
The social effects of war on children are so longstanding that they prevent children from returning to their families and schools.
