A few years ago, I was researching about the refugee crisis for work, and I remember reading/finding out about the Syrian children. Those who were living through the horrors in their country, fleeing it, or living in refugee camps were being called the ‘lost generation’. I wondered then, will we be able to blame them if they grow up filled with anger and a desire for revenge?
Since then and given what’s happening now, I think of all the children who live through circumstances that are so horrific. Do we forget, these will be the immensely, immensely traumatised adults of tomorrow, and look how many of them will there be.
I never thought, I’d be able to see photos of dead children but here we are, and what’s worse is, I worry the repeated exposure might be desensitising us.
You’re right, we need to prioritise childhood as sacrosanct again. We need to be very vigilant and try as best we can to protect their futures. Speaking up is a reminder for us and we need this reminder, again and again.
A few years ago, I was researching about the refugee crisis for work, and I remember reading/finding out about the Syrian children. Those who were living through the horrors in their country, fleeing it, or living in refugee camps were being called the ‘lost generation’. I wondered then, will we be able to blame them if they grow up filled with anger and a desire for revenge?
Since then and given what’s happening now, I think of all the children who live through circumstances that are so horrific. Do we forget, these will be the immensely, immensely traumatised adults of tomorrow, and look how many of them will there be.
I never thought, I’d be able to see photos of dead children but here we are, and what’s worse is, I worry the repeated exposure might be desensitising us.
You’re right, we need to prioritise childhood as sacrosanct again. We need to be very vigilant and try as best we can to protect their futures. Speaking up is a reminder for us and we need this reminder, again and again.
Jazak’Allah khair, Mariyam.
A letter from Maram Humaid to her son and nephew -
A letter to my baby in Gaza: I’m sorry, I dreamt of a better future https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/11/18/letter-to-my-baby-in-gaza-im-sorry-i-dreamt-of-a-better-future