Children are a most precious asset in any society. That they are violated by warring sides who appear to take little notice of the downstream effects on these vulnerable citizens is nothing short of appalling. In 1989 the United Nations promulgated the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention is a universally agreed set of non-negotiable standards and obligations. NZ is a signatory.

Article 39 states “States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of a child victim of: any form of neglect, exploitation, or abuse; torture or any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; or armed conflicts. Such recovery and reintegration shall take place in an environment which fosters the health, self-respect and dignity of the child.

The vulnerability of children was highlighted by Jesus who declared that anyone who harmed them should have a millstone put around their neck. This is the weight of wrong being done. It would be easy for we who live comfortably in Aotearoa to point the finger at the anonymous “others” who are fighting the wars in which children are caught up as bystanders or even as child soldiers.

We can do something though. We can write letters to our government to get them to lend their weight to moves aimed at protecting children. We can support child refugees who come here to rebuild their lives. The Refugee Family Reunification Trust helps bring families together and reunites children with their parents or extended family. A donation could be made to this Trust which may be contacted on 475-7994 or acalder@xtra.co.nz

Reflection
Because more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of (maybe prayer softens our own hearts and minds and moves us to action), we can pray: “Jesus, you who loved the children who were brought to you, have compassion on these children made doubly vulnerable by war. Help us to help them by working to change the outlook and practices of those responsible for initiating armed conflict. Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.”

Related Reflections:

• We can do something
• Changing our reality
• News: Afghanistan: child deaths in conflict
• Scripture: His sun rises on all

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