"Not a single border on the map is worth a single child's cry."

Madame Pik

January 6 is a day of important reminder of children left without parents due to armed conflicts - World Day of War Orphans. This day is an opportunity to draw the attention of the world community to the needs and problems faced by orphans as a result of wars and armed conflicts, to draw attention to their plight and to mobilize international efforts to support these children.

The initiator of the celebration of the World Day of War Orphans is the French humanitarian organization SOS Enfants en Détresse. According to the report "War against Children" by Save the Children, every sixth child in the world grows up in a zone of armed conflicts. Stress, psychological and physical trauma, the loss of a breadwinner to a minor is the main social problem of any country, especially if he has lost two parents orphans of war. Civilians bear the brunt of the suffering of war. Of the large number of victims of war, children most often suffer, becoming orphans. Street children around the world face many problems, including disease, hunger, loneliness and the threat of disadvantaged members of society. On this day, the world community is reminded of the need to be responsible to each other and provide all possible support to children affected by wars.

The history of the World Day of War Orphans is rooted in the tragic consequences of armed conflicts and wars that have taken place in different countries and regions of the world for many decades. As a result of these conflicts, thousands of children have lost their parents, remain orphans and face incredible difficulties and challenges in their daily lives. In response to these sufferings and disasters, social and humanitarian organizations have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to commemorate this day and draw attention to the problem of orphans of war.

The main meaning of the World Day of War Orphans is the awareness that these children need protection, care and support from the world community. This day reminds us of our responsibility to help them in their quest for a better life and a future without violence and suffering. It calls for solidarity and cooperation in solving problems related to orphans of war. One of the main challenges faced by war orphans is the lack of basic needs such as food, water, medical care and education. Many of them are forced to survive in extreme conditions and often become victims of exploitation, violence and human trafficking. Most of them experience trauma and stress caused by the loss of parents and the horrors of war. In addition to material needs, war orphans need psychological support and rehabilitation. They often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other psychological problems that require specialized intervention and help. Creating safe and supportive environments for these children is therefore a priority for humanitarian organizations and Governments.

However, despite all the challenges, war orphans have great potential and are able to overcome difficulties thanks to the help and support of the world community. Ensuring access to education, care for their health and psychological well-being, as well as creating conditions for their social inclusion and self-realization are key steps towards ensuring the well-being and future for these children. The World Day of War Orphans reminds us of our responsibility to care for the most vulnerable members of our society and work to create peace and justice for all children in the world. It is a time for reflection, action and solidarity in the struggle for decent living conditions and a future for war orphans. Therefore, it is necessary to do everything possible to provide them with support and hope for a brighter future.

Department of propaedeutics of children's diseases