Across the world, thousands of children involved in military conflict and political issues in countries like Libya, Afghanistan and Africa have lost their innocence, being caught up in acts of innate human cruelty.
Facing the horrors of warfare, these children have been even devoid of basic human rights like food, shelter and education.
As per UNICEF reports, during the last decade, it is estimated that child victims have included r millions killed, 12 million left homeless, 4-5 million disable and over 10 million mentally traumatized. At an age where they need food for their growth and development, they are handed weapons and trained for attacking their enemies.
Check out these heart-wrenching images of children at war across the globe.
A boy holds a rifle as his family takes part in celebrations on the western outskirts of the town of Ajdabiyah March 26, 2011. Libyan rebels backed by allied air strikes retook the strategic town of Ajdabiyah on Saturday after an all-night battle that suggested the tide is turning against Muammar Gaddafi's forces in the east. Western warplanes bombed the outskirts of Misrata further west to stop Gaddafi forces shelling the city, a rebel spokesman said.Reuters.Children play on a tank in Benghazi, April 8, 2011. Reuters.A boy displaced with his family by fighting in Misrata holds empty ammunition shells as he plays war games at a special needs school May 25, 2011.Reuters.The son of a rebel fighter holds his father's weapon at the front line along the western entrance of Ajdabiyah April 28, 2011.Reuters.A growing number of petty criminals in Sydney prefer to use the stun gun instead of traditional weapons.Reuters.A boy holds up a rifle during Libyan's leader Muammar Gaddafi supporters march, protesting the coalition air strikes, in front of his compound Bab al-Aziziya in Tripoli June 7, 2011.Reuters.A boy holds a bullet while attending a rally near the courthouse in Benghazi May 14, 2011. The protesters were calling on the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi.Reuters.Boys help rebel fighters clean weapons in Misrata, after the rebel fighters returned from the frontline on the outskirts of Zlitan July 12, 2011.Reuters.A rebel fighter guards the final checkpoint on the road from Bin Jawad towards Nawfiliyah, where forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have halted a rapid rebel advance some 100 km (62 miles) east of Sirt in eastern Libya, March 29, 2011. Reuters.A boy attends a protest against Libya's Muammar Gaddafi in Benghazi March 8, 2011. Reuters.
