World Day of War Orphans is commemorated every year on 6 January to raise global awareness about children who have lost one or both parents due to armed conflicts and wars. The day highlights the psychological, social, physical, and economic challenges faced by war-affected children and calls for collective responsibility to protect their rights and dignity.
Background & History
- The day was founded by the French humanitarian organisation SOS Enfants en Détresse, which works to support children in distress across conflict zones.
- The observance draws attention to the long-term humanitarian consequences of war, particularly on children who are among the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict.
Role of International Organisations
Several global organisations work actively to support war orphans through relief, protection, and rehabilitation:
- UNICEF – Provides education, nutrition, healthcare, psychosocial support, and child protection in conflict and post-conflict regions.
- International Red Cross – Delivers humanitarian assistance, family reunification services, and protection under international humanitarian law.
- Multiple international and local NGOs – Focus on shelter, education, trauma care, and reintegration into society.
Who are War Orphans and IDPs?
- War orphans are children who have lost one or both parents due to armed conflict.
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict or violence but who remain within their country’s borders.
- Children in these situations often face:
- Loss of access to education, food, healthcare, and shelter
- Exposure to violence, exploitation, and neglect
- Long-term psychological trauma
Significance of World Day of War Orphans
According to data cited by UNICEF:
- There are over 140 million orphans worldwide
- Asia: ~61 million
- Africa: ~52 million
- Latin America & Caribbean: ~10 million
- Eastern Europe & Central Asia: ~7.3 million
- 95% of orphans are above the age of five
- The majority of orphans live with a surviving parent, grandparent, or extended family, rather than in institutions.
- Orphan numbers increased between 1990–2001, but since 2001 have declined slowly at about 0.7% per year.
- Orphanhood rates are highest in regions affected by war, conflict, and major diseases, while remaining relatively low in affluent and stable countries.
Why the day matters:
- War orphans are often overlooked in policy and relief efforts
- The day reminds the global community of its moral and humanitarian responsibility
- It calls for sustained efforts to reduce conflict, protect children, and prevent future generations from being orphaned by war
Violations Against Children in Armed Conflict (UN Framework)
The United Nations Security Council has identified six grave violations against children during armed conflict:
- Killing and maiming of children
- Recruitment or use of children by armed forces or armed groups
- Attacks on schools and hospitals
- Rape and other forms of grave sexual violence
- Abduction of children
- Denial of humanitarian access for children
These violations remain widespread in conflict zones, underlining the urgency of international intervention and accountability.
Why Awareness Is Crucial
- War leaves children without protection, stability, and opportunity.
- Supporting war orphans is not limited to relief—it includes:
- Education and skill development
- Mental health and trauma care
- Legal protection and social integration
- Observing World Day of War Orphans reinforces the global commitment to peace, child rights, and humanitarian values.