It has been more than five years since the civil war in Syria started in March 2011, where the nation became irreparably divided. Due to the war, more than 250,000 people were already killed and over 11 million have fled their nation to escape the violence while an estimated 6.6 million Syrians took refuge in other countries, including children.
Just a week ago, however, the world was terribly shocked over the heartbreaking, blood- and dust-covered image of a 5-year-old Syrian boy named Omran Daqneesh, who survived the Russian airstrike in Aleppo, Quartz noted. The photo shook social media as it poignantly depicted the tragic fate of children trapped in the hostility and violence of a war-ravaged nation.
Daqneesh's photo was also a cry for help as an estimated 75,000 children are still struggling for survival in eastern Aleppo, noting the sad reality that these children are braving the vehemence of war, bomb threats, limited food, potable water and medical care, Time reported. For those who were brave enough to flee their homes and start a life anew in other nations, they also face the great risk of survival in crossing perilous borders and death-defying oceans to escape the nightmares of the civil war.
With the increasing hostilities and violent uprising in Syria, the civil war has now become the world's worst humanitarian crisis, as per Metro. Daqneesh's image wasn't only meant to poke people for sympathy or empathy but it was a call for attention that children in war-torn countries are struggling for their lives.
Remember 3-year-old toddler Alan Kurdi who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea after his family tried to flee Syria in September 2015? Both Daqneesh and Kurdi represented the tragic consequences of the Syrians who choose to stay or leave their nation amid the violent war.
Fortunately, there were Syrian children who survived the horrific violence by fleeing their homes and embarking in an arduous and risky ocean voyage to Europe. Unfortunately, the hardships of the children and their families are far from over.
In fact, CNN detailed that Syrian children still endure the scars of the civil war. Some children, along with their families, weren't welcomed in other nations, instead they experience another ordeal inside the mass detention facilities like in Greece.
Even though some were lucky enough to have successfully escaped the civil war, Syrian refugees and children are facing a new string of challenges - lack of food and medical care, among others. In addition, many Syrian children are also facing some issues when it comes to education.
Since the war forced them to flee their homes and their schools, Syrian children's access to basic education (read and write) became limited. In spite of taking refuge in other countries, children also struggled with the adjustments and the issues connected to their refugee status - bullying, discrimination, language barriers, insufficient financial stability to pay tuition, not to mention the "culture clash," Parent Herald previously reported.
With that said, international governments, particularly EU, to act and help the children who seek special care, education, food, shelter and safety. Humanitarian groups are also calling the attention of countries who vowed to relocate and resettle Syrian refugee families.
Meanwhile, the Syrian civil war remains to be chaotic as airstrikes and suicide bombings continue to besiege the nation. In fact, more than 50 people, including 22 children were killed during the suicide bombing attack at a wedding party on Saturday, CBS News reported.
Unfortunately, no signs of a lasting ceasefire and an end to the Syrian civil war are currently in the horizon. The reason? The violent uprising has led to the irreparable division of the nation, according to USA Today.
What do you think is in store for the Syrian children who are innocent victims of war? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
