Two days ago, UN’s Security Council’s agenda was set to discussing Children affected by war. This is not a new issue facing the world; it has been with us for many decades. Yet, much focus has not been highlighted to this issue as one that should be given major media attention.

For many decades, the General Assembly, Security Council and other specialized committees has brought forth this issue that millions of youth are facing in war-torn countries. Many documents and resolutions have been passed, but none have been implemented the way they were intended to be. Since the topic of how war effects children have been put forth on the world’s priorities, many non-governmental organizations have been formed to help children who cannot see hope amidst the bullets and landmines.

There are 40 official wars in the world today, and each one of these effects children on one form or another. Some use children to further sustain war by using them as child soldiers, and in others children are in the direct path and are often raped and used in other inhumane ways.

This issue affects me personally and deeply as children are the future and to know that they must go through this in their childhood. Furthermore to understand that in countries where war affects children both mentally and physically will scar them for life, and to know what kinds of stories they will tell their children hurts me.

Children should not have the burden of war, they should be allowed to be children, to dance and play…