“Accountability for our inactions”
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children” Nelson Mandela
In a world riddled with conflicts, injustices, and despair, it is with heavy hearts that we must confront a painful truth: “we have failed our children”.
Wars, displacement, starvation, diseases, child trafficking, violence towards, child pornography, suicides due to exam and life stress, the lack of peace, stability, protective ecosystems, low self-esteem, sense of being unwanted or ignored, limited access to education, rights is leading to the death of innocence are current realities. Innocent souls, so full of love, potential and hope, are subjected to unimaginable atrocities that deny them their rights, rob them of their childhood, and leave lasting scars on their tender hearts. It is high time to collectively stop this vicious repetitive cycle of suffering and extend a sincere heartfelt apology to the children of the world.
The Cycle of Misery
In the midst of the chaos, it is crucial to acknowledge the interconnecting factors that perpetuate the suffering of children globally. Wars, ravaging entire regions, leaving countless orphaned, traumatized, and struggling to survive without protection and basics like food, water, medicine, and rehabilitation. The displacement that follows forces the vulnerable into overcrowded refugee camps, exposing them to further abuse and exploitation.
Starvation and preventable diseases snatch away the dreams and aspirations of millions. Child trafficking, another painful reality, steals away childhoods, as innocent lives are bought and sold like commodities, subjected to unimaginable horrors that will forever scar their tender spirits.
The scourge of abuse, in all its forms, violates the very essence of childhood. These unspeakable acts inflict lifelong wounds, cutting short the laughter, innocence, and joy that every child deserves. The denial of basic rights and restricted access to education offer them a bleak chance to grow up to fulfil their potential and build a life for themselves.
The Price of Inaction
The consequences of our inaction are haunting. We have failed as custodian to offer them a compassionate, just, and sustainable future. Trauma which children experience impacts their mental health, inhibiting their ability to form healthy relationships.
Those children are not victims of war, displacement or trafficking but have homes and an eco-system to protect them, they fight a different battle daily one of expectations from parents, societies, an illusory future where being more is a given and they must achieve it. Their school bags get heavier, no time for play and being a kid, which has driven many to suicide as they unable to meet expectations, peer pressure and social media’s fake world that makes them feel not enough when compared to others. The rate of suicide and self-harm grows alarmingly each year. A burden forced upon them carry as scars into adulthood, perpetuating in a repetitive cycle of sense of rejection, trauma, low self-esteem, and the loss of joy.
Apology and Call for Action
It is our duty to apologize to the children of the world for failing to protect them, for allowing their suffering to continue unabated. We must shed the apathy and complacency that have allowed these atrocities to persist despite our best efforts to control it. It is time to take collective responsibility and change in systems with more vigilance to create a world where children can grow up in safety, love, and retain their dignity.
We must demand the end to wars, prioritize access to nutritious food and healthcare for all children, and relentlessly combat child trafficking, child pornography and every form of exploitation. We must strengthen our legal systems to ensure that perpetrators and abusers are held accountable. Moreover, we must provide comprehensive support systems, to include education for all, better mental health services, social integration to nurture their resilience and facilitate healing.
We need to stop and notice the harm we have caused and take individual and collective accountability as world citizens and elders. We owe the children of the world far more than our apologies; we owe them a future free from violence, fear, and despair. It is time to stand up, to speak out, and have a non-negotiable stand when it comes to their rights, hear their voices, and work for their well-being. Let us take this Pledge of Apology as a starting point, with corrective actions locally and globally, so no child is denied their right and can have a childhood filled with unconditional love, laughter, and limitless possibilities.
The future will question us for our action or inaction and as we stand ashamed today, “What example are we setting for them is the question?”
The gift of a child is a blessing, let’s not have our hands covered in their blood or our conscience heavy due to inaction in times where action is called for.
“The soul is healed by being with children”. Fyodor Dostoevsky
Forgive us Children of the world, we will try to do better, for each of you deserve better. May smiles be fought for than wars and protectors are not violators of their futures.
The active participation of women is very much needed at this time as women are the mother’s of mankind and a mother alone knows how to nurture and protect the unit of a family. The role of women in decision making positions concerning the future of children is the call of the hour. Also, the participation of the youth is imperative to speak the language of peace as they can relate better to the children and a filled with new ideas and are role models to the young ones.
Clearly a new narrative needs to be written for the old ones time and again has proved to be counter production and have failed to protect our greatest asset: OUR CHILDEN.
I hope today on World’s Children Day each one of us reflects on how we can do better this day forward.
“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden”. Khalil Gibran
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