World Day for War Orphans is observed annually on January 6. In 2021, World Day for War Orphans falls on Wednesday. The day is important as it aims at increasing awareness about plight of a vulnerable group. The special day also tries to address the crises encountered by war orphans and children in conflict.
World Day for War Orphans was started by the Fresh Organisation, SOS Enfants en Detresses. The day highlights that numerous children are affected by warfare and calls for action for their better future.
According to the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), an orphan is a “child under 18 years of age who has lost one or both parents to any cause of death.” According to UNICEF data, there were around 140 million orphans globally in 2015.
“The estimated number of total orphans increased from 1990-2001 where it peaked at 155.4 million. Since 2001, the estimated number of total orphans has declined consistently but very slowly – at a rate of only 0.7% per year during this period,” the data revealed.
World Day for war orphans holds a great significance. Civilians in many countries that have become war zones are facing the brunt of suffering in war without any choice. The children are the most affected as they have to face most hardships as they have no one to take care of them. A number of children also become a victim of sexual violence. This day honours them and brings light to the injustice they have faced and put a stop to it.
We can celebrate this day by donating towards their welfare. On World Day of War Orphans 2021, we should remember these children and pledge to work hard to end the shadow of war so that no child would be an orphan within the motherland.
