Right To War Research Paper

The events of one's childhood, even acknowledging that nature does play a part, effectively determines the humanity of a person. Childhood by definition is the early stage in the existence of something. The stage in which one develops a sense of self, begins to feel a purpose, and matures greatly. Because of the substantial importance of the course an individual's childhood certain rights have been determined universally fundamental to all children regardless of race, sex, gender, location, or beliefs. However, there are certain events that violate these rights, one of which, is war. War creates an unlivable environment; completely destroying the deserved calmness of a person's youth, smothering all reason. Through the past fifty years, Syria,
Nigeria, and Sierra Leone have gone through various civil wars all of which have been and are greatly detrimental to the lives of the nation's children.

War draws out something in people that most nothing else can, natural instincts that defy humanities fondness toward children, often leaving the joys of childhood sacrificed.The presence of war, regardless of a country's efforts to maintain the deserved comfort of their children, is capable of derailing the inherent rights of childhood. However, if a stable family structure, controlled educational environment, and an appreciation of children are present, humanity can withstand the deprivation of joy brought by war through all respective places in the world.
The security of a family has the ability to stand up to the horrors of war. In Nigeria and Sierra Leone, families maintain very little structure and are often polyamorous and allow for many non-biological members to come in close contact with the children.("Nigeria - Families In Nigeria.")("Sierra Leone - Family") Because of this, children are exposed to many unique personalities, and a consistent amiable environment. However, their primary biological parents still maintain firm and guarded care over their child and make themselves absolutely known, which is more similar to the practice in Syria(Beaton). Syrian families are often more restricting, with stern father figures and more forgiving mothers(Beaton). Both allow for a secure understanding of family that fosters a will to be reunited and to survive even in the worst of conditions; even after being separated during war. One of the most effective methods used to recruit children into the war is to isolate them, to remove them from their families and their homes(Child Warriors). This creates a lack of empathy, a lack of support and direction. Without family, growing up in wartime is increasingly more challenging . However, he family structure in Nigeria, Syria, and Sierra Leone, even once being dismantled and devastated, all are attentive enough to support the full development of their children and lead them into the next steps of their lives.
Through all of the world, and in third world countries particularly, education is a vital part of childhood; of determining personhood and individuality.
According to Unicef’s Convention of the Rights of a Child, articles Right to Education and Goals of Education state that all children should have the right to free primary education and should be encouraged and aided in following their passions and interests past their time in school (A Summary of the Rights). In Syria the education system is made a priority and the first nine years of schooling are compulsory and free(Ménacère). The same can be said for schooling in Sierra Leone and Nigeria, with nine years required and funded by the government(Class Base).Unfortunately, as a result of the war, nine years of schooling is impractical and generally attending six years is the most possible (Class Base). Future success depends greatly on schooling and on the quality of that schooling. Unicefs studies of modern third world countries revealed the actual effects of education per each year, “...each additional year of maternal education helps reduce the child mortality rate by 2% [and] every additional year of education can increase a person’s future income by an average of 10%(Education in Developing Countries).” In a controlled and calm environment positive effects of schooling are amplified greatly and can extend even beyond the basic outcomes of general education. Nigeria has the second highest number of children out of school
in africa with 7 million kids out of school(Out-of-school Children). The total number of kids out of school in Nigeria actually succeeds the number who attend(Out-of-school Children). One estimate suggests that 50% of children who do not attend school live in countries in crisis or emerging from conflict(Out-of-school Children). This is majorly detrimental to the wellbeing of children in and out of war, as it creates a lack of purpose and imbition which is absolutely necessary in order to survive war.
An embedded appreciation of children within a culture is a crucial aspect of forming strong character and personhood. In Syria, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone children are cherished and families are generally large with about ten or more children in Nigeria(Nigeria - Families In Nigeria)and similar numbers in both Syria(Beaton)and even more in Sierra Leone(Sierra Leone - Family). In Sierra Leone children bring much joy into the lives of their parents and extended families and act as a guarantee for continued success of their families heritage(Sierra Leone - Family), They are extremely necessary in more rural areas where they are needed to work on family farms(Beaton). The same can be said in Syria though perhaps even more so as this has become increasingly essential due to major agricultural meltdowns caused by the ongoing civil war which brings in thousands of refugees and depletes water levels(Yahia). In Nigeria having many children is a high status symbol and in looked at as a great honor(Nigeria - Families In Nigeria). Caring for and praising children, even just for their existence in the world is absolutely necessary as it promotes growth and individuality. According to Erik Erikson’s Psychological Stages Theory, children ages zero through five need the company and care of a supporting and present family in order to develop trust, a sense of personal success, self worth, and of their place in the world and their societie’s social structure(Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages Summary Chart). Neglect and lack of apparent interest in a child can result in severe physical, psychological, and behavior issues (Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect) such as emotional and mental health problems, difficulties with social situations, incomplete brain development, and tendencies towards escapists tendencies such as alcoholism and other addictions(Smith). A loving culture and community helps develop confidence and courage, and finalize a child's outlook on themselves and the world.
Children can be considered one of the most beloved aspects of life, all throughout the world's cultures. Childhood is the time in which people are most easily influenced, most easily manipulated and used. Because of this children should be protected from the war and from other inhumane events as to stop the spread of further harm. Childhood in war-torn places like Nigeria, Syria, and Sierra Leone can and should be more than hand-me-down first world charity and second-hand books and used clothes, and it can be more. Children are sacred, children can be easily taught and accept what they learn, they are flexible, open minded, and kind. Children need the support of a family and of their culture in order to thrive. They deserve an education equal in quality to the best that is possible. They are the future of our world and the atmosphere they grow up in determines their future behavior and actions towards their peers. Their childhood determines how they will treat their children and generations later their actions can be seen reflected in the people of the world. Therefore it is most logically reasonable to provide children with a family, supportive community, and education, for the betterment of all of humanity.