GLOBAL CONFLICTS
There is one problem that not even the smartest minds have solved: the tragedy of violence and war. Sadly, the violence may continue in 2024.
In 2023, there are five conflicts that have caused at least 10,000 direct, violent deaths this year. As the UN states, a war is always a human tragedy, with the ripple effects of the conflict extending human suffering far beyond its borders. Not only is the psychological, physical and mental impact profound, war also exacerbates the global cost-of-living crisis, having a impact on food, energy and finance systems worldwide.
The world’s attention has been brought to Gaza, as the murder and kidnapping of Israeli civilians by Hamas on 7 October 2023 triggered a full military response from Israel, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians so far. The response by world leaders has come under intense scrutiny, as nations like the US and UK walk a diplomatic tightrope in their support for Israel, while others join in the increasing calls for ceasefires.
With such a fraught and volatile situation, it is impossible to say for sure what 2024 will bring in the Middle East. The Economist’s Gregg Carlstrom notes that “Israel could find itself stuck in a long guerrilla war, and the residents of Gaza stuck in a long displacement”.
What is becoming abundantly clear is that children are caught in the crossfire of the conflict, as the World Health Organization reports that on average, a child is killed every 10 minutes in Gaza.
A humanitarian crisis is also unfolding in Sudan, as violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces rages on. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, almost six million people have had to flee their homes, and aid organisations say people are suffering from lack of access to food, shelter, drinking water and other basic necessities.
While Ukraine continues to receive military support from global allies amid Russia’s invasion, the longer the conflict goes on, the more it works in Putin’s favour, explains Ivan Mikloš, former deputy prime minister of the Slovak Republic. “A slow offensive drains human resources (of which Ukraine has much less than Russia), increases the risk of a frozen conflict and raises the pressure to negotiate a compromise.”
Meanwhile, closer to home, experts warn tensions between China and Taiwan may come to a boiling point after Taiwan’s presidential election in January 2024.
How to talk to children about war
The impact of war is multifaceted and extends far beyond the conflict zone, deeply affecting the global community. As well as loss of life, injuries and disabilities, displacement, economic and environmental impacts, long-term repercussions can be intergenerational trauma as well as long-lasting animosities contributing to ongoing conflicts and tensions. While we all watch in horror at the events occurring around the world, recent research has shown the effects of media coverage on children, with younger children more affected by news stories with visual cues, while older children are more distressed by stories about actual threat.
UNICEF has shared advice for how to provide support and comfort to children when talking about war.
• Figure out how they feel UNICEF says: “Some children might know little about what is happening and not be interested in talking about it, but others might be worrying in silence.” Activities like drawing can help open up a discussion with younger children.
• Keep calm “It is normal if you feel sad or worried about what is happening as well. But keep in mind that kids take their emotional cues from adults, so try not to overshare any fears with your child.”
• Spread compassion UNICEF says to “avoid labels like ‘bad people’ or ‘evil’ and instead use it as an opportunity to encourage compassion, such as for the families forced to flee their homes”.