Children Become War Victims, ICC Issues New Policies
medcom.id, The Hague: Children do not start war, but they become victims of war. Millions of children are caught in war conflicts around the world.
In this regard, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it is launching a new policy in which it focuses more on prosecution of crimes against children.
"The goal is to be stronger in overcoming the specter of crime against children, let alone the victims of war," said ICC Prosecutor's Chief Fatou Bensouda, as quoted by AFP on Thursday
The ICC also wants to highlight more vividly the situation of 230 million children worldwide today who suffer or experience war crimes because of the conflict.
"It is unforgivable, like in Syria and Iraq, children are attacked and killed, this is a grave offense," he said again.
According to the ICC, children are one of the main victims of war. Based on research and reports, every five minutes, a child is killed.
"We also urge the UN Security Council to refer the situation to Syria and Iraq to enter the court without further delay," he said.
Immediate prosecution of war crimes against children in Syria and Iraq is indispensable. Due to war and conflict, the lives and future of children are at stake.
On August 20th, too, a number of children fell victim to the war in Syria that was raging again. It was a fierce battle between Syrian rebels and Iranian troops backed by Russian Government forces.
It is estimated that more than 10,000 children have been killed in the war in Syria over the past few years. Until now, many Syrian children are victims of war.