The Future or the Past?

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” said Frederick Douglass, clearly unaware of what lay ahead. Around 3 lakh children in the world have been subjected to violent separation from their family members forcefully or through clever manipulation, so they could be recruited by non-state armed groups to serve as messengers, slaves, or even shields during conflicts.

Non-state armed groups are unofficial military and paramilitary organizations (with rare government support). They’re responsible for major recruitment of child soldiers. Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan are some of the countries which exploit child-soldiers and use them in conflicts irrespective of their age. The children are forced to kill or abandon their family members so they cannot escape the vicious claws of the recruiters. It goes unnoticed that the very basic human rights of the children are being disrespected.

It is particularly saddening how we’re all so lost in a world full of politics, vicious agendas, and entertainment that we’re absolutely ignoring the problem right in front of us, mocking us to take a step against it. Not only are the children forced on the path of violence at such an early age but also, they become victims of sexual exploitation. 40% of the victims are females. They’re made to work recklessly and treated like human bombs. Many movies have tried to highlight the same issue but it often goes unnoticed. Tiger Zinda Hai and Slumdog Millionaire are good examples.

Children are the torch bearers of humanity and only via international efforts can their general human rights be protected. When will the masked evil lurking in the shadows of the world, staying hidden for the past few years be finally brought to light? Isn’t it our responsibility to protect the future of the world from the malignant present?