In a powerful analysis, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) at Aga Khan University, and his colleagues have called for renewed global attention to the plight of children in conflict zones. Their analysis, titled "When is enough, enough? Humanitarian rights and protection for children in conflict settings must be revisited," emphasizes the need for changes to international rules of engagement and the global response to conflicts that disproportionately affect civilian populations, particularly children.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has brought to light the failure of international humanitarian laws to protect civilians, especially children. Since October 2023, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of them children, as a result of the military conflict. Zulfiqar Bhutta and his co-authors argue that global institutions and humanitarian norms have been ineffective in preventing these tragedies, not only in Gaza but also in other conflict areas such as Ukraine, Sudan, and Tigray.
The analysis urges immediate action, including the cessation of combat operations in areas with civilians, the evacuation of children to safe zones, and better protection for essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. It also calls for the establishment of global monitoring systems using advanced technology to assess the humanitarian impact of wars more effectively.
Dr. Bhutta and his colleagues advocate for a global summit to address the shortcomings in international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of children in conflict zones. They believe that current efforts are insufficient and that stronger coalitions must be built to confront the ongoing violence against children in war zones.
As the world continues to witness the devastating impacts of conflict on children, this analysis calls for a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights of the youngest and most vulnerable in our global society.
To read the full analysis, visit the British Medical Journal (BMJ) here.
In a powerful analysis, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) at Aga Khan University, and his colleagues have called for renewed global attention to the plight of children in conflict zones. Their analysis, titled "When is enough, enough? Humanitarian rights and protection for children in conflict settings must be revisited," emphasizes the need for changes to international rules of engagement and the global response to conflicts that disproportionately affect civilian populations, particularly children.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has brought to light the failure of international humanitarian laws to protect civilians, especially children. Since October 2023, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of them children, as a result of the military conflict. Zulfiqar Bhutta and his co-authors argue that global institutions and humanitarian norms have been ineffective in preventing these tragedies, not only in Gaza but also in other conflict areas such as Ukraine, Sudan, and Tigray.
The analysis urges immediate action, including the cessation of combat operations in areas with civilians, the evacuation of children to safe zones, and better protection for essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. It also calls for the establishment of global monitoring systems using advanced technology to assess the humanitarian impact of wars more effectively.
Dr. Bhutta and his colleagues advocate for a global summit to address the shortcomings in international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of children in conflict zones. They believe that current efforts are insufficient and that stronger coalitions must be built to confront the ongoing violence against children in war zones.
As the world continues to witness the devastating impacts of conflict on children, this analysis calls for a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights of the youngest and most vulnerable in our global society.
To read the full analysis, visit the British Medical Journal (BMJ) here.
