Letter of the Day | Let’s unite and end world conflict
Published:Tuesday | September 22, 2020 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The world is battling war and violence and deadly conflict, which is tearing across communities around the globe. War destroys communities and families and often disrupts the development of the social and economic fabric of nations.
The effects of war include long-term physical and psychological harm to children and adults as well as reduction in material and human capital. The effects of war are widespread and can be long term or short term. Soldiers experience conflicts differently than civilians, although both suffer in times of war, and women and children, in particular, suffer unspeakable atrocities.
Since the start of the decade, the United Nations has verified more than 170,000 grave violations against children in conflict. That is the equivalent of more than 45 violations every single day. The widespread trauma caused by these atrocities and suffering of the civilian population is another aftermath of these conflicts, which creates extensive emotional and psychological stress.
Present-day internal wars generally take a larger toll on civilians than state wars. This is due to the increasing instances where civilians are strategically targeted.
The countries that are suffering right now with these conflicts are Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, and Ukraine.
The world should unite and ensure that the conflicts are stopped in these states and ensure that there are measures put in place for long-lasting peace.
HANDSEN CHIKOWORE
London, United Kingdom