Impact of Milliatry operation in FATA/ Mohmand Agency on children

Impact of Milliatry operation in FATA/ Mohmand Agency on children

The ongoing uncertain peace situation/conflicts in Mohmand have had a drastic and negative impact on the economic and livelihood status of the affected population. Communities struggle to meet the needs of their members, including children. Such families
are unable to neither meet the basic needs of their children nor provide their children with love and care they require as well. The prevailing conditions have forced many children to look for a means of survival on the streets by engaging themselves in harmful
activities such as involvement with drugs and crime. Many of the targeted children are sold at an early age by their parents and caretakers into forced labor as a means to generate income for the survival of their family. Often, the types of activities children
are engaged in are reported to be incompatible with their age and physical strength and as having severe consequences on their well- being. The issue of child marriage has also arisen, especially with young girls, as parents believe that in marrying their
daughters to older men, they will ensure the survival of their child as well as reduce the number of their own dependents.

Children, in the post-conflict scenario, have been at particular risk and in need of special child protection attention. The affected and displaced population in Mohmand faces specific challenges and barriers with regard to access to protection. It is also
subjected to heightened levels of anxiety and trauma, induced by factors associated with displacement. For children in particular, this further increases their vulnerability to abuse, exploitation, self-harm, and above all, psychosocial trauma and other damaging
effects. Children, having witnessed death and destruction have limited access to assistance. The specific protection needs of the most vulnerable children in the most conflict- affected regions of Mohmand must be addressed, allowing humanitarian service providers
greater access and contact with the population.

The provision of safe hygiene awareness is essential for a healthy learning environment. Unfortunately, having access to safe water and sanitation facilities is not enough and proper hygiene behavior of all, including children, parents and teachers/school
staff is essential to getting full health benefits from the facilities.

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Posted by Naveed A Bari on Jan 26 2012. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry