Children

Boy in Niger - Kim Howell

What crimes plague the children of today?

Crimes such as violations of child labor, general physical and mental abuse, poverty, human slavery and sex trafficking are only the tip of problems that one cannot even venture to comprehend for a child. These, and any abuses towards another human, are horrendous no matter whom and how old the victim. However, they are especially heinous when we look at children. How can I, a grown woman, fathom what a child of six goes through as she is being sold to a brothel owner in India? Poverty, war and homelessness can burden any soul no matter how weak or strong, but for all of the above situations and so many more, their effect on the innocent and often voiceless children is far worse.

Children are our future and it is up to us to defend and protect them, to speak for them when they cannot. The rights of the child are too often forgotten, disregarded, marginalized or taken for granted and I only hope that through the Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions Blog I can help everyone become more aware of and more involved in the fight for and protection of children’s rights. Through my research efforts, information sharing, thoughts and my outspoken and opinionated voice, I know everyone involved looks to the end of the exploitation of children around the world. If each one of us can save even one child by promoting awareness, then we will change the future of our world and the future for our children!