The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Since then, children’s physical and mental health, education, and economic well-being has been put at risk. As the world enters a third year of this global crisis, the impact could continue for years to come.
Rise in violence against children Children have been at greater risk of violence over the past two years of the pandemic. According to Save the Children, which surveyed 25,000 people across 37 countries in 2020, children were reported to have higher rates of violence when schools were closed compared to when they could attend classes. The economic impact and closures of schools have been correlated with this rise in violence against adults and children. Save The Children also reported that figures from South Africa showed that more than 350 children were killed in the last three months of 2021, with an additional increase of 30 percent in attempted murders. Most of this violence took place at home. A 2020 report called the Perfect Storm, released by World Vision, revealed that 85 million children are in immediate danger of physical, sexual and emotional violence at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The abuse is often a result of increased isolation. “It is vital that world leaders take responsibility for the protection of all children against violence and abuse,” said Michael Messenger, President and CEO of World Vision Canada. “We know from bitter experience that crises, including conflict and the spread of deadly diseases, increase violence against the most vulnerable girls and boys. The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo was a recent example. Looking ahead, it’s deeply worrying to think about the crushing economic and social impacts of COVID-19, which will put up to 85 million more children in harm’s way.” Surge in child poverty According to UNICEF, child poverty was projected to be 10 percent higher than before the pandemic, resulting in an additional 100 million children going into poverty. Families in developing countries have suffered the most as the recovery process has been slower due to high unemployment rates and the lack of government assistance. Prior to the pandemic, 47 percent of children around the world were living in multidimensional poverty: poverty without access to healthcare, education, clean water and sanitation, adequate nutrition, and housing. Children’s mental health Sick Kids reported on the impact of COVID-19 among children 2 to 18 years in age. They found that over 70 percent reported worse mental health during initial COVID-19 lockdowns. Children were left feeling lonely, overwhelmed, worried, sad, anxious, depressed, and hopeless. Please consider donating and supporting our vulnerable children to secure a more promising future for them: UNICEF Save The Children World Visio Comments are closed.
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AuthorKatrina Sriranpong is a philanthropist with a passion for aiding disadvantaged children, advocating for refugees from war-torn countries as well as promoting animal rights and protection. Archives
April 2024
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