Ք REPORT Ք HUMAN RIGHTS 2021 ORPHAN REPORT

APRIL 2021 CANSU NAR

www.insamer.com [email protected] www.ihh.org.tr/en APRIL 2021 REPORT

2021 Orphan Report

Report Human Rights April 2021

Prepared By Cansu Nar Executive Editor Dr. Ahmet Emin Dağ Editor Mervenur Lüleci Karadere

For citation: Nar, Cansu. 2021 Orphan Report, INSAMER Report, April 2021.

Responsibility for the information and views set out in this publication lies entirely with the authors.

©INSAMER 2021 All rights are reserved. The use of quotations is allowed only by providing reference.

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Printing: Pelikan Basım Ulubatlı Hasan Caddesi No. 2 H D Blok No. 19 Başakşehir – Istanbul

INSAMER is a research center of IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation. HUMAN RIGHTS 2 iii

CONTENTS

Orphan and Orphanhood 1 Social Orphanhood and Child Abuse 5 State of Orphans in the World 8 Orphans as Victims of War 13 Vulnerable Child Refugees 14 Children With Real Weapons Made 16 of Iron Instead of Toys Consequences of Child Poverty 17 Child Labor 19 Babylift Operations Continue 21

The Forgotten Ones During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Child 23 Refugees

Refugees and Global Child Trade 25 Importance of Education for 29 Orphans Endnotes 32 Annex - IHH Orphan Aid Activity 35

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ORPHAN AND ORPHANHOOD

One definition of orphan all cultures agree their parents or both. In the Islamic on is a pre-adolescent child who has lost tradition, a paternal orphan is a child who has lost a father while a mater- either of their parents or both. nal orphan is a child who has lost a mother. Apart from these, there is also the concept of the social orphanhood, referring to children with at least one Childhood refers to the period of parent alive who does not fulfil their childhood and adolescence. The task parental obligations. of parents is to satisfy both the physi- ological and psychosocial needs of the The first 18 years of human life con- child, give them a good education and stitute not only a period of physical prepare them for life’s challenges. Every development, but can also be defined child who goes through this most crit- as a period of sociological interac- ical phase of life without enjoying pa- tions with psychological effects. So, rental care is considered an orphan. circumstances a child faces early in life, determine not just their prospects Today’s social and economic problems in adult life, but also has serious im- create new definitions of orphanhood. plications for the mental health of a If the necessary precautions are not society as a whole. taken with regard to the most fragile members of the society, it seems in- According to UNICEF (United Nations evitable that the problem will become Children’s Fund), about 10,000 chil- much more devastating. Although it dren are left either paternal or ma- may show variations, one definition of ternal orphans every day across the orphan all cultures agree on is a pre-ad- world. Internationally accepted figures olescent child who has lost either of also indicate that number of orphan HUMAN RIGHTS 1 2

children around the world is at least Almost 750,000 people have died in 140 million; however, based on many natural disasters in the last 20 years, evidences suggesting that there are and as a result, hundreds of thousands millions of orphan or abandoned chil- of children became orphans or left dren which are not included in the without parental support. 79% of these official statistics, this figure is actually deaths occurred in poor Asian coun- much greater. tries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, India and the Philippines, When a child loses either of their the countries with the highest number parents or both, they face so many of orphans. economic and mental issues down the line. For example, an average of 10,000 Another common cause is chron- children die every day as a result of ic illness or disease outbreaks. Poor war, poverty, hunger or similar caus- health services or a rapidly-spread- es. The majority of these children are ing pandemic can lead to a significant known to be orphan and abandoned. number of loss of lives. While 68% of The available data show that most of all deaths worldwide are caused by the countries where the situation is non-contagious diseases, 22.5% are most worrying are in sub-Saharan caused by contagious ones. Africa and South Asia.1 Poor health infrastructure is one of Without a doubt, one of the most the most frequent causes of death for common reasons leading to children parents in economically underdevel- becoming orphans is natural disasters. oped countries. It is not known exactly APRIL 2021 REPORT

occurred in Islamic countries.2 Due to Poor health infrastructure is one of the the war in Syria, which is considered as most frequent causes of death for parents the biggest humanitarian crisis since the Second World War, 9,200,000 children in economically underdeveloped countries. under the age of 18 lost their homes or It is not known exactly how many children families.3 Although the actual figures become orphans each year due to these for Syrian orphans are not known due to mortalities. the continuous relocation of refugees, it is estimated that almost 1 million chil- dren became orphans due to the war. how many children become orphans each year due to these mortalities. The When a child loses either or both of figures show that between 2000 and his parents or when parents do/can not 2014 there were about 15 doctors and fulfill their parental duties, this leaves 33 nurses per 10,000 people in the en- the child exposed to myriad dangers. tire world. It is reported that in Islamic Orphans or children abandoned by countries there are 8 doctors and 18 their parents become vulnerable and nurses per 10,000 people. Available defenseless; whereas children under data show that Somalia, Niger, Sierra the care of their parents live in a rela- Leone, Chad and Afghanistan are the tively better protected way in case of countries in the worst situation in war, natural disasters, poverty or dis- terms of deaths due to poor health ease. At this point, it must be stressed services. The number of doctors and that the problems of orphans are not nurses per 10,000 people is as follows isolated cases; for it should be remem- in these countries: Somalia (1-5), Niger bered that children without access to (1-6), Sierra Leone (1-9), Chad (2-3) safe and healthy environments grow up and Afghanistan (2-7). to become problematic adults, leading to other serious social problems. Today, about 140 out of every 1,000 women between the ages of 18 and Orphans and abandoned children 60 die worldwide due to infectious or are barely able to maintain a decent non-infectious diseases. This means a standard of living, making them more large number of children left behind likely to be exposed to risks and dan- who need looking after. gers. Such children can easily fall into the clutches of malevolent people or Wars or conflicts are among one of the criminal gangs in exchange for basic leading causes of orphanhood. For ex- needs such as shelter and food or to ample, in 2018 alone almost 100,000 satisfy emotional needs, like a sense people died in armed clashes, and of belonging. tens of thousands of children became orphans or were deprived of parental Big migration movements caused by care in the process. 80% of these deaths war, natural disasters, poverty etc. re- HUMAN RIGHTS 3 4

sult in tens of thousands of children be- reports show that tens of thousands of ing relocated unaccompanied by their children that migrated to Europe as a parents or unprotected. It is noted that refugee following the war in Syria are today in many European countries, now considered missing.4 thousands of children are on the list of missing children and thousands are Intensive missionary activities in plac- not included in any list because they es of poverty and famine, especially in have no birth registration. It is also the countries of the African continent, known that migrating orphans and un- are among the major threats to or- protected children are targeted by var- phans. For example, children are taken ious criminal organizations involved in to orphanages established by Western human trafficking, either in their own missionary organizations and brain- country of origin or during migration washed to change their religion; ex- to other places. For instance, some ploiting their economic disadvantage. APRIL 2021 REPORT

SOCIAL ORPHANHOOD AND CHILD ABUSE

During the childhood, the most impor- Social orphanhood might occur due to tant period of human life, fulfillment of irresponsible parents, social and family all physiological and psychological needs problems, extra-marital births, early or of individuals from nutrition to education unwanted motherhood and many other is considered as the duty of parents or factors.6 Mental health problems, domes- the state.5 In today's world, however, it is tic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, known that there are millions of children physical and mental disability, poverty, neglected by their parents even though heavy work conditions, working away they are alive. This state of children go- from the family, socializing outside the ing through various deprivations due to home, internet and social media addiction parents' failure to perform their duties is can also lead to a deterioration of fam- referred to as social orphanhood. In other ily ties and children becoming isolated. It must be noted here that there is no words, amounting to a state of parental acceptable justification of abandoning a destitution, the condition is referred to child when at least one of the parents is as social orphanhood. Yet, the absence alive. Causing trauma, it also has a neg- of the family, and therefore the absence ative effect on the child's physical and of the parent, which is the first and most mental health. basic component with a child's identity formation, causes serious trauma to the Researches show that 90% of the 2.7 child who is in need of being loved, re- million children living in orphanages spected, protected and supported. around the world are social orphans.7 HUMAN RIGHTS 5 6

While the number of children living on the streets is not exactly known. Although This state of children going through var- many children have their basic needs like ious deprivations due to parents' failure food, drink and shelter met today, they to perform their duties is referred to as suffer severe disadvantages in terms of receiving regular education appropriate social orphanhood. to their needs and age, and the love, care and support they need to become healthy emergence of advanced level chronic psy- 8 adults in the future. chological and physiological disorders, 10 While social orphanhood can be as severe harming the identity of child. as orphanhood from loss of parents, it Researches show that about 200 mil- may cause some other serious psycho- lion children are subject to sexual abuse logical consequences. Another aspect of every year worldwide due to parent neg- social orphanhood which is not easily ligence.11 Such abuse may occur in two noticeable is the abuse. Experts state that ways. The first is non-physical sexual a significant amount of children stay- abuse; sexually explicit talks, exhibition- ing at home during the Covid-19 has ism, voyeurism, making the child watch been exposed to various forms of abuse. pornographic movies, making the child Physical, psychological, sexual abuse as act in advertisements, films and plays well as online abuse that has increased with sexual content, etc. The second type due to dense use of Internet during the of sexual abuse includes physical contact; period all pose a great threat for children. touching and caressing in a sexual man- It has been proven by researches that ner, touching any part of the body with children are psychologically harmed at the sexual organ or sexual intercourse, a high level when their needs of care, prostitution, obscenity are all involved love, respect, feeling valued and support- in this category.12 ed under any circumstances are unmet. Psychological violence is a type of abuse A research conducted by the Internet covering all other abuse forms. Emotional Watch Foundation (IWF) worldwide violence includes attitudes and behaviors in 2015 and 2016 revealed that Europe such as yelling, humiliation, intimidation, plays the main role in reproducing, down- rejection, absence of love, expectation loading and sharing materials such as of responsibilities over the child’s age, pornographic photos and videos aimed comparison and discrimination between at child abuse. Click rate of web pages siblings, excessive pressure and discipline, with child abuse content was about 41% making the child dependent, overprotec- in Europe and 57% in North America in tiveness, punishment, forcing the child to 2015 whereas such rates were 60% and work.9 Such types of abuse are difficult 37%, respectively, in 2016. Emphasizing to notice but yet the most common ones. the increasing demand for such publi- They may cause behavior disorders, and cations, child protection agencies state APRIL 2021 REPORT

that studies conducted and laws made their gender. Some studies on child abuse fall short in prevention of sexual abuse of suggest that children between the ages of children. Netherlands is the country with 0 and 18 are targeted by the pedophiles. the largest illegal content of such type in Having turned into an industry due to Europe. Russia and Turkey sourced abuse films, advertisements, magazines and elements were discovered in 34,212 web illegal activities, sexual abuse of children pages used in Europe. It is evident that at is essentially a humanitarian problem least one child is victimized while prepar- in terms of both its reasons and results. ing each material, children are abused at This is a universal problem that requires each view of such content, and those in- immediate action and precautions, as it dividuals consciously searching for these is not only a problem between the victim materials are growing the child abuse and perpetrator but also an indicator of figures in the world.13 social anomaly.

Performance of many processes on the When a child is rejected or deprived Internet and provision of online educa- of a warm family environment despite tion at all levels due to the Covid-19 pan- both parents being alive, this may cause demic, as well as increased dependency life-long traumas, resulting in a mental to the virtual world with motives such as regression, a feeling of worthlessness, and being an influencer on social media, are negative perceptions such as not being the key factors increasing online child loved and loneliness, impacting the entire life of the individual. For people who ex- abuse and pedophilia cases. perience such emotional trauma, they will Researches show that every child is sub- be more exposed to the risk of hanging ject to some kind of abuse regardless of out with the wrong kind of people, drug HUMAN RIGHTS 7 8

Experts state that a significant amount of children staying at home during the Covid-19 has been exposed to various forms of abuse. and alcohol addiction, prostitution, being In view of its causes and effects, it can kidnapped etc. In addition, these children, be argued that the issue of social or- who have problems developing a sense of phanhood affects the entire society with belonging, often experience anger and political, social and religious implica- aggression, poor social adaptability and tions requiring a holistic approach. It criminal intentions. Of course, one cannot is, therefore, clear that addressing the say that all orphans and social orphans orphanhood as a consequence only is not live in poor conditions. So much work sufficient. Determination and elimination is being done by several governmental the causes of such consequence is what and non-governmental organizations to matters. To this end, government and improve the conditions of these children, non-governmental organizations can get who are guarded and protected by official their weight behind more awareness-rais- institutions. It is vital that all institutions ing projects and support measures to raise entrusted with these children do their individual awareness. Strict social and share of work properly, as it is crucial for the future of the country and the world to psychological measures must be taken identify and rehabilitate potential groups about this matter as it constitutes one of that could turn into a social anomie in the the top priority problems of the society; future. In summary, for the well-being therefore, establishment of moral and and development of societies, all children material support centers that are acces- should be raised in a nurturing environ- sible by all parts of the society will be an ment and receive a good education. important step forward.

STATE OF ORPHANS IN THE WORLD

The number of orphans is increasing have lost one or both parents are con- worldwide due to problems such as sidered orphans, the number of orphans wars and conflicts, natural disasters, in the world today is estimated to be epidemics, poverty and mass migration. over 140 million.14 It is estimated that a Children, who make up 2.2 billion of the total of approximately 15.1 million out world population which is estimated at of 61 million who live in Asia, 52 million 7.7 billion, remain at risk and exposed in Africa, 10 million in Latin America every day for various reasons. If all chil- and 7.3 million in Eastern Europe and dren between 0 and 18 years of age who Central Asia, have lost both parents.15 APRIL 2021 REPORT

Humanitarian crises resulting from If all children between 0 and 18 years of age natural disasters are foremost among who have lost one or both parents are con- the reasons for children losing their parents. About 500,000 people lose sidered orphans, the number of orphans in their lives and millions of people suffer the world today is estimated to be over 140 great financial losses every year due to million. disasters. One of the most devastating consequences of these disasters is with- out doubt the thousands of vulnerable In addition to all these official data, it children left behind. Natural disasters is known that many children around vary in size and severity, causing dif- the world are not registered as "or- ferent amounts of damage; for exam- phans" for various reasons. There are ple, earthquakes cause loss of parents many orphans, i.e. “invisible children”, in countries like Indonesia, Iran and who have never been registered, or Nepal while in African countries it is those who have not been identified as usually drought and famine. Whereas orphans because their relatives took social orphans are more common in care of them after their parents died, relatively developed and western coun- or those who have not been registered tries. due to technical difficulties and neg- ligence, which suggests that the men- Since the risks and threats that chil- tioned figure is much more higher. dren without parents face apply to Considering all these conditions, the all children who are unprotected for actual number of orphans around the some reason, it is important to pro- world is estimated at 400 million.16 vide protection for all these children. Heavy labor, being recruited as child Today, it is clear that wars and internal soldiers, being trapped by the organ conflicts are the main causes for an and prostitution mafia and various ever increasing number of orphans. other criminal organizations are the With regard to countries such as Syria, most common dangers to which these Iraq, East Turkestan, Somalia, Mali, children are exposed. For example, it Sudan, Palestine, Afghanistan, Central is stated that there are about 300,000 African Republic, Egypt, Kenya, child soldiers in more than 30 coun- Nigeria, Yemen, Myanmar and Algeria tries,17 there are at least 218 million has a large number of orphans, these child workers aged between 5 and 17, are either regions of conflict or are and that at least 73 million of them are ruled by oppressive regimes with most employed in hazardous occupations.18 of them scenes of large conflicts in re- A major part of these children are ei- cent history. The number of orphans in ther orphans or abandoned children. these countries corresponds to almost The number of missing children that one third of all orphans worldwide. went into the records in the 20 years HUMAN RIGHTS 9 10

from 1987 to 2007 is 1 million. It is es- A study by the World Health timated that most of these children are Organization shows that suicide-re- abducted by criminal organizations.19 lated deaths for children between the ages of 10 and 19 have increased since One of the most serious problems faced 2002.20 These figures clearly show that by orphans is social exclusion and iso- the traumas of childhood and ado- lation, which is not easy to notice at lescence, words which are not even first sight. Psychological destruction supposed to be used side by side with experienced due to the loss of one or the word suicide, are not temporary at both parents can lead to becoming all, contrary to assumptions. withdrawn, while discriminatory treat- Becoming a refugee or being placed ment by relatives, peers or the social in the care of foster parents in other circle can lead to self-isolation. countries is one of the most serious APRIL 2021 REPORT

It is stated that there are about 300,000 child soldiers in more than 30 countries, there are at least 218 million child workers aged between 5 and 17, and that at least 73 million of them are employed in hazardous occupations.

problems faced by orphans. In par- creates severe consequences that linger ticular, orphans or abandoned chil- for generations. For example, 3 million dren who are also refugees may face out of 8 million children of school age risks such as abuse, ill-treatment or do not attend school in Syria, which is discrimination based on religion or estimated to have around 11 million race. Even if the above-cited threats to children population.22 Although the children in this category are tackled, war in Afghanistan that has gone on for assimilation policies in destination years has ended, 42% of the country's countries for migrants represent an- school-age children are still unable other lifelong risk. to go to school. And most of these children are female. In Somalia, 49% Education is one of the most problem- of children of school age cannot go to atic areas for orphans and abandoned school.23 In Yemen, there are 2 million children. Many studies today clearly children with no access to school.24 show that there is a direct link between parental absence and academic perfor- According to the report of the United mance. Studies show that the academic Nations Development Programme, the success of abandoned children or chil- percentage of those who receive only dren raised by a single parent is lower basic education or learn to read and than that of children who grow up with write in a non-educational setting are both parents. When orphanhood in as follows: Southern Sudan and Mali warzones are brought into the equation, 27%, Afghanistan 28%, Ethiopia 49%, both the schooling rate of these children Haiti 52%, Pakistan 55%, Bangladesh and their academic success seem to 57%.25 The figures given here refer to reduce significantly. Today there are literacy rates rather than continuous 263 million children with no access to education, which could mean that the school or regular education.21 quality of education in these countries is actually much worse. It is also es- An analysis of the common character- timated that the majority of children istics of countries with the lowest levels deprived of education are either or- of education reveals that these are pov- phans or abandoned by their parents.26 erty and war zones. Since these coun- tries are the least developed countries The protection of children, especially in the world, lack of resources/means orphans, is one of the most fundamen- to provide basic services like education tal tasks of societies. In this context, HUMAN RIGHTS 11 12

it is very important for governments lion children in Uganda and 310,000 to develop effective social policies to in Sierra Leone were orphaned due to protect the legal rights of children and the same disease.33 It is reported that enable them to grow in a healthy and 74% of orphans in Zimbabwe and 63% safe environment; yet, most countries of orphans in South Africa were also are way off achieving that. 61 million orphaned by the HIV disease.34 One orphans on the Asian continent that third of the children in Kenya, where has the worst track record of protecting there are almost 3 million orphans, children's rights are reported to be at were orphaned because of this dis- 35 risk of leading a totally vulnerable life. ease. Many children across Africa India, particularly, needs to take urgent died from this virus, transmitted by action in this regard as the official fig- their parents. For instance, in Ethiopia ures put the number of orphans at 31 that has 6 million orphans, it is esti- million. In India, only 41% of births are mated that at least 85,000 of these are 36 registered, with diseases and outbreaks HIV carriers. It is estimated that more caused by social inequality, poverty and than 13 million children worldwide 37 other social problems that arise due to were orphaned by HIV. the strict caste system being consid- What countries with a high number of ered the primary reason for the high orphans have in common is that they population of orphans in the country. belong to the category of the most un- It is estimated that there are 4.9 million derdeveloped countries. At least half the 27 orphans in Bangladesh and 4.4 million population of these countries lives below 28 orphans in Pakistan, which are also the poverty line. It is children that are most countries on the Asian continent. As severely affected by the chronic poverty these countries have no policy of birth in these countries. The current negative registration, it is estimated that the ac- circumstances in these countries clearly tual number of orphans that are referred threaten children's right to life. to as “invisible children” is much higher than the stated figures.

On the African continent, Nigeria is one of the worst affected countries, with its population of 17.5 million orphans.29 It is reported that 2.5 mil- lion children in this country became orphans due to HIV.30 In Ethiopia, another country on the continent, there are 6 million orphans.31 In the country, more than 44% of children under the age of 14 are orphans due to HIV.32 It is also reported that 2.9 mil- APRIL 2021 REPORT

ORPHANS AS VICTIMS OF WAR

Wartime conditions are challenging for tered as civilian victims, while hundreds everyone, especially more so for orphans of thousands try to stay alive, one way and abandoned children. While orphans or another. are exposed to the dangers of the war Today, people who stay at their homes environment, they have serious problems to protect from the effects of the global in accessing basic needs, especially food, pandemic that started at the end of 2019 shelter, health, security and education; seem to have forgotten about the pres- facing all kinds of social, economical ence of millions of children outside in and psychological challenges. Children vulnerable situations. struggling with problems such as illness, hunger, disability or abduction are ex- According to UNICEF’s report called posed to all kinds of abuse under war- 2020 Child Death Estimates, Africa time conditions. ranks first in death rates of children be- tween 5 and 14, followed by South Asia.38 One of the most serious problems faced by orphans trying to survive alone in Communities struggling for life at war- war zones is their inability to access ade- zones have had to fight against both quate and necessary healthcare. The lack the political-economical competition or absence of medical facilities further between the opposing countries and exacerbates the grievances of children allies, and the Covid-19 pandemic. in vulnerable situations. Thousands of Meanwhile, UN has called for a cease- children who lose their lives are regis- fire and encouraged mutual agreements HUMAN RIGHTS 13 14

People who stay at their homes to protect from the effects of the global pandemic that started at the end of 2019 seem to have forgotten about the presence of millions of children outside in vulnerable situations. in order to fight against the pandemic; Figures of child death rates in the however, let alone failure of the parties UNICEF report are high at a jaw-drop- to abide by the ceasefire, their actions to ping level. Based on the figures stated turn the crisis into an opportunity and put by averaging the highest and lowest es- new political-economical strategies into timates regardless of the reason of death, practice have left the vulnerable people the top 10 countries with highest death in these regions faced with several new rates of children between 5 and 14 are problems. Abandoned children are the as follows: main ones who are left vulnerable against No. Country Child Mortality this infectious fatal disease, which poses a greater risk under war and conflict condi- 1 Niger 30,292 tions. Children of these under-developed 2 Somalia 25,365 countries who were already struggling 3 Mali 22,123 with the war, inadequate healthcare ser- vices, poverty, famine, lack of sanitation Democratic 4 Republic of 22,121 and various infectious diseases before the the Congo pandemic have been completely forgotten 5 Sierra Leone 21,569 due to pandemic. 6 Nigeria 21,268 On the other hand, conflicts that could 7 Burundi 21,322 not be stopped even by the pandemic continued in Afghanistan, Democratic 8 South Sudan 21,043 Republic of the Congo, Syria, Burkina 9 Benin 19,896 Faso, Mali, Niger and South Sudan in 10 Burkina Faso 17,39139 2020 and 2021.

Vulnerable Child Refugees

Orphans who survive on hot conflict Number of displaced children due to zones face even greater challenges af- wars and conflicts has gone far beyond terwards; much tougher prospects come the available numbers to date, reaching into question for these children, exposed up to 19 million. 12 million children to new threats on refugee camps or mi- were displaced in 2019, with 3.8 mil- gration routes. lion having to migrate due to conflicts APRIL 2021 REPORT

Number of displaced children due to wars and conflicts has gone far beyond the available numbers to date, reaching up to 19 million.

and violence, and 8.2 million mainly grant reception centers at the end of due to disasters such as floods and a dangerous and obligatory migration storms.40 Malicious organizations ex- journey, however they neither have the pecting the orphans as the most sen- chance for social distancing to protect sitive and vulnerable part of global against the pandemic in crowded plac- society are lying in ambush on all es nor access to healthcare services, routes. Human traffickers, warlords, food and means to meet their self-care organ mafia, physical and sexual abuse needs. gangs and many more pose a serious threat to vulnerable children along the Having been away from their country migratory routes. and family for a long time, 19 million children must be immediately put Some sources report that number of under protection and returned to their children who had to leave their houses in families if possible, with the mutual 2020 is about 31 million. Over 17 million efforts of governments and non-gov- of these children are displaced in their ernmental organizations. Specialist own country; 12.7 million are refugees teams in the centers must provide and 1.1 million are asylum seekers.41 the necessary physical and psycho- Some part of vulnerable children man- logical care for millions of orphaned age to access refugee camps and immi- children. HUMAN RIGHTS 15 16

Children With Real Weapons Made of Iron Instead of Toys

One of the most devastating consequenc- 40 million children under the age of es of war for children is the issue of child 15 are victims of abuse and neglect in soldiers. It is reported that the number of war zones and that these children need child soldiers involved in global conflicts regular health and social care.45 For ex- has increased by 159%42 in five years and ample, it is reported that at least 1,500 that since 2012 at least 300,00043 children children are sexually abused every year have been actively fighting in more than in Afghanistan, a country ravaged by 30 countries. civil war and foreign occupation, with those responsible being protected for Children are used as warriors, suicide various reasons.46 bombers and human shields on the fields in conflicts and wars and also as couriers, Moreover, children and orphans who spies and etc. at checkpoints. are victims of war are targeted by hu- man traffickers, organ mafias and other The destruction of educational facilities malicious organizations operating on in war zones deeply affects the lives of border lines with a huge flow of refugees. children in the long-term, taking away Research shows that about 1.2 million their chances for a good future. Targeting children are trafficked every year.47 A schools in wars and conflicts costs the majority of these children are orphans. lives of thousands of children and ed- Orphans and abandoned children, tar- ucational staff. According to a UN re- geted by many criminal organizations port covering 2016-2018, 657 schools in such as organ traffickers, human traf- Mali, 396 in the Democratic Republic of fickers, etc. are also sent to different Congo, 161 in Iraq, 68 in Afghanistan, 67 countries for adoption or forced into in Syria, 64 in Somalia, 52 in Southern prostitution or begging. No one knows Sudan, and 28 schools in the Central yet what happened to the thousands African Republic were attacked.44 of children that migrated to Europe Educational activities are mostly carried especially after the war in Syria, most out in houses and tents in war zones, of whom were orphans, raising serious and these are not enough for children to concerns about the fortunes of these build a good future. These children have orphans.48 their chance of a decent life taken away Even though it is generally assumed that from them, either ending up in armed girls do not take part in conflicts as they groups or having to work as child labor- are mostly deployed away from the front ers under extremely difficult conditions. lines, this is not an accurate observation. Cases of child abuse are quite common For example, 30-40% of child soldiers in war zones. Research has shown that in Africa are girls. Girls are also heav- APRIL 2021 REPORT

personalized care approaches that take Children are used as warriors, suicide bom- into account the orphans’ conditions is bers and human shields on the fields in conf- of great importance for the return to normal life of children who have expe- licts and wars and also as couriers, spies and rienced wars. etc. at checkpoints. It is a grave violation of humanitarian values by the states that disregard the ily exposed to sexual violence. Studies sanctity of human life to further their show that such abuses increase by 40% imperialist ambitions causing children in wartime environments.49 who need love and compassion to be This severe picture shows that all gov- abused, to be forced to fight in wars, ernmental and non-governmental hu- work in harsh conditions and to be ex- manitarian aid organizations working in posed to acts of tyranny while migrating crisis regions should focus not only on due to natural disasters, war and poverty the shelter and nutritional needs of or- etc. This, without doubt, will produce phans, but they should also be provided ruthless and hostile generations in the with protection, psychological support, future, causing so many new problems treatment and rehabilitation. Developing for societies.

CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD POVERTY

While the economic gap in developing pandemic. Number of poor children in and undeveloped countries has deep- countries with low to moderate develop- ened along with the Covid-19 pandem- ment level, on the other hand, has reached ic, a notable increase is observed in the 150 million, increasing by 15%.50 Progress number of children living in absolute was made in prevention of poverty thanks poverty. Absolute poverty, also known to the policies implemented all around the as multidimensional poverty, refers to world from 2000 to 2014 as well as the the inability of an individual to meet his support of non-governmental organiza- needs that are necessary for his survival. tions. However, global poverty started to The concept includes inequality of access rise again as from 2014. Number of people to nutrition, shelter, clean drinking water, suffering from hunger escalated from 630 life in a healthy environment, education, million in 2013 to 680 million in 2018 and healthcare and social services. 690 million in 2019. The researches con- ducted in 2019 pointed out that at least According to the data published by 83 million people suffered from hunger UNICEF in September 2020, number of due to malnutrition since the Covid-19 children living in absolute poverty has pandemic interrupted food production, risen up to 1.2 billion due to Covid-19 distribution and consumption process. HUMAN RIGHTS 17 18

This figure reached 132 million by the end maintain a healthy diet. This applies es- of 2020, which highlights the increased pecially to 57% of the population living number of people that will live in absolute in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. poverty.51 Pandemic seems to have led to According to the report, one-third to a regression in the problems that were in forth-third (191 million) of children the progress of resolution. aged below five had a problematic de- velopment in 2019, which left them According to UN, malnutrition was most either too short or too thin.55 commonly observed in Asia with 381 million people in 2020. It is followed Based on 2021 estimates of UNICEF, by Africa with 250 million people, and a total of 10.4 million children in Latin America and Caribbean with 48 Democratic Republic of the Congo, 52 million individuals. Number of people Northeast Nigeria, Sahel Region living in acute poverty has also increased (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), South along with the rise in global population Sudan and Yemen are faced with acute since 2014. The comparison of nutri- malnutrition problem.56 tion frequency by population suggests that 19.1% people across Africa suffers It is known that there are millions of from malnutrition; therefore, Africa is children that are under death risk due the most severely affected continent to failure to meet their essential nutri- from poverty. This figure is 8.3% and ent needs. Number of children that are 7.4% in Latin America and Caribbean, under death risk due to acute malnutri- respectively. The situation in Africa is tion are as follows: A total of 3.3 million two times worse than that in other con- children in Democratic Republic of the tinents. If the current trends continue, Congo with at least 1 million at severe Africa will be home to more than half level; more than 800,000 children in of the people suffering from chronic Northeast Nigeria with 300,000 at se- hunger in the world by 2030.53

An average of 10,000 children die every day as a result of poverty, hunger or sim- ilar causes across the world. According to 2020 report of UN, most of these chil- dren are from Africa and South Asia. It is stated that orphans and abandoned children make up the majority of the mentioned figure.54

The UN report State of Food Safety and Nutrition Across the World suggests that purchasing power of globally more than 3 billion people today is not sufficient to APRIL 2021 REPORT

According to the data published by UNICEF in September 2020, number of children living in absolute poverty has risen up to 1.2 billion due to Covid-19 pandemic.

vere level; about 1.4 million children in age death rate was Somalia with 16,814, South Sudan; over 2 million children in which is followed by Niger (15,738), Yemen with 358,000 at severe level; and Chad (15,207), Kamerun (14,339), Ivory 57 1.4 million children in Yemen. Coast (14,307), Mali (13,751), Sierra Afghanistan, Bolivia, Kamerun, Central Leone (13,670), South Sudan (13,604), African Republic, Libya, Madagascar, Nigeria (13,441) and Guinea (12,626), Pakistan, Sudan and Yemen are among respectively.59 the top countries that are mostly harmed Apart from the absence of any healthcare by the Covid-19 pandemic. system to protect millions of children In 2019, child death rates were high in from diseases in the crisis zones, even seven out of nine countries, and there the minimum support for such regions were 50 deaths per each 1,000 live births is blocked by various gangs and groups among the children aged under five.58 of interest. Intentional contamination Based on UNICEF’s 2020 Child Death of clean water, bombing of hospitals, Estimates Report, it is seen that the re- kidnapping or killing of healthcare gions involving the top 10 countries with highest death rates of children aged five professionals, prevention of healthcare to nine in 2019 were the suffering zones equipment aid provided externally by characterized by hot conflicts, acute pov- governments and non-governmental erty and inaccessibility to healthcare organizations further increase the suf- services. The country with highest 5-9 fering of orphans in particular.

Child Labor

Shutdown of schools as part of to work in families with a single un- Covid-19 precautions and the ine- employed parent due to the crisis. The quality in access to education further possibility of children returning back densified the available problem in the to school seems quite difficult under regions with severe poverty. The shock these circumstances as those children experienced in the fields of economy are the targets of unregistered employ- and healthcare services due to the pan- ment and low-cost labor. A gain of 94 demic affected the vulnerable popula- million achieved in the fight against tion of the society most severely. It is child labor since 2000 is also under a observed that children started to be put serious risk.60 The experts claim that, HUMAN RIGHTS 19 20

apart from the heavy working condi- completely ignored. Yet, it is of huge tions that child laborers are faced with, importance to increase the efforts to the working hours have also extended, support the most vulnerable popula- and children’s health and safety are un- tion of the society, and meet their basic der a great threat. Some studies show needs immediately, since they are in that a 1% increase in the poverty rates need of humanitarian aid more than of certain countries led to an increase ever at the moment. of at least 0.7% in child labor.61 When It is required to directly access the the increasing figure in child labor is hardship areas in order to determine read backwards, number of children the number of children suffering from that will not be able to continue their hunger and measure their parameters. education when the schools reopen Each precaution taken to prevent the is obtained. spread of Covid-19 pandemic, unfor- The humanitarian crisis experienced tunately, further increases the child by the orphans has peaked up along poverty. However, increasing the social with the pandemic. During this period services to be provided along with the of staying at home due to the obligatory precautions, creating work opportu- precautions taken by governments, the nities for adults which fit their new tragedy experienced by children who life conditions, and providing more try to live in camps, travel alone on support for the education of children, dangerous roads, or are targeted by will not only prevent the problems human traffickers, used as soldiers from becoming chronic and much in warzones or forced to work under more complicated, but will also avoid heavy conditions seems to have been the future social crises. APRIL 2021 REPORT

BABYLIFT OPERATIONS CONTINUE

The concept of babylift, which emerged countries increased. It was established in 1975 during the USA-Vietnam War, that more than 91% of the adopted chil- originally refers to the Americanization dren were younger than eight, that 51% of Asian children. During the "Baby were younger than two, that 57% of the Rescue Operation" called Operation Baby children were boys, 43% girls and 20% Lift, at least 2,000 babies and children mixed race. Relocation of these children were brought to the USA, and 1,300 to was planned within the framework of an Canada, Australia and to Europe, total- international adoption program imple- ing 3,30062 according to official figures. mented between 1970 and 1975.64 Although the United States announced While the term babylift has turned into that these children brought from South a general concept used to describe inter- Vietnam were taken away because of war national adoption programs nowadays, conditions, orphanhood and neglect, it it is essentially defined as the adoption of was later understood that not all of these children from other countries by certain children were orphans. Vietnamese chil- wealthy Western families. However, it dren were taken away from orphanages has been clearly understood on several and even their families with all their ties occasions that these child transfers, car- severed with their countries and roots. ried out for ostensibly humanitarian pur- A decision by certain Western groups poses, are not as innocent as they appear. who had been working with orphans in When the idea behind it, its functioning this country for more than 20 years dur- mechanisms and the actors are analyzed, ing the Vietnam War to urgently evacuate there are serious claims that this process children from South Vietnam underlies of adoption of children in poor countries the Baby Rescue Operation. With the col- in Africa and Asia has become a new laboration of organizations including the instrument of Westernization by cer- International Children's Services (Holt), tain associations, orphanages, churches the Travelers Aid International Social and aid organizations operating in these Service of America (TAISSA), Catholic countries. For it is well known that many Relief Services (CRS), the World Vision missionary institutions operating in pov- Relief Organization (WVRO), Friends erty-stricken regions exploit orphans to of the Children of Vietnam (FCVN) and spread Christianity in these societies the Pearl S. Buck Foundation (PBF), the under the pretext of humanitarian aid.65 necessary procedures were carried out Publications on the sacredness of adopt- and planes evacuated children from the ing children, the travels of world-fa- warzone.63 mous artists and actresses to African It is stated that with the beginning of the and Asian countries who adopt children operation the number of applications for themselves during these travels coupled adoption in the USA and other western with the media promote the adoption HUMAN RIGHTS 21 22

of foreign children. Facilitating such questions about the scale of the whole child transfers through symbolic names operation. It is known that today orphans encouraged many Orthodox Christian from many countries are being targeted families in the West to take similar steps, by Western countries, like in 2008 when and thousands of African children were a French organization (L'Arche de ZoÃ) given to Western families in this way. It is was caught kidnapping more than 100 reported that missionary organizations, children outside Chad. whose numbers are increasing day by day, are leading this initiative, strength- Today, adoption from overseas is con- ening their scope of impact thanks to sidered an industry, leading to the kid- the aid they provide in poor regions, napping of children, under false pre- and operating comfortably by gaining tenses, from countries such as Ethiopia, the trust of the local population. The Cambodia, Somali, Chad, Afghanistan, activities of these organizations, which China, and the Philippines. It is com- collect data on the population in the mon knowledge that such kidnapped regions, show that the work is done sys- children are sold for cash all around the tematically within a specific framework globe, including in many countries in and program. All this clearly shows that Europe and the Americas.66 Practically one must be careful about missionaries turning into an instrument to increase or organizations that want to change the the population in Western countries, the beliefs and cultures of orphans via the adoption policy can have devastating foster family system. consequences for children, if we leave A lack of official figures on internation- aside for a moment the benefits these al child transfers today raises serious countries may derive from doing so. APRIL 2021 REPORT

expectation of a better life casts a shadow It is well known that many missionary insti- on the future of source countries. tutions operating in poverty-stricken regions As is known by all today, the future of exploit orphans to spread Christianity in countries is directly proportionate to the these societies under the pretext of human- young population; therefore, still-contin- itarian aid. uing Babylift operations denotes volun- tary transfer of power to central countries, consenting to the loss of self-identity. This also amounts to a significant loss Considering the war policies of countries of manpower for the source countries. commanding the global dynamics, espe- The countries that allowed their minor cially the selection of military personnel citizens to be adopted and taken away to seems to be varying based on the country foreign countries, and did not respond to which democracy will be transferred. diplomatically to abduction of children For example, this policy is clearly reflected through various ways, faced nonrecov- in Hollywood production war movies: erable consequences in the past. Letting American soldier of Nigerian origin, young minds out of the country not only French soldier of Algerian origin, British leads to interruption of technology, sci- soldier of Iraq origin are the simplest ence, arts, politics, and socioeconomic examples. Against such a consequence development, which are the critical ele- meaning pitting brother against brother, ments constituting a country, but also the each country with future prospects must destruction of national consciousness. In have the characteristics and resources to brief, exchange of self-identity with the take care of its own children.

THE FORGOTTEN ONES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: CHILD REFUGEES

The shock wave experienced due to Sudden migration movements carried Covid-19 pandemic, a global crisis out in masses leads to a destructive that has intruded itself into our lives impact for both the countries on the at the end of 2019, has affected the transit route, and the destination coun- vulnerable communities to the high- tries. Social, cultural, economical, po- est degree. While two-thirds of the litical and many other problems arise world stocked food to survive staying along with the human movement. The at their houses, destructiveness of the individuals called “refugees” are held in pandemic made the life much more camps and reception centers on the bor- difficult for millions of people and derlines, which are extremely crowded therefore, millions of orphans on the places with no food support or hygienic migration routes. conditions. Typically with no access to HUMAN RIGHTS 23 24

Having been perceived as a global threat and displaced even before the pande- mic, millions of people with immigrant or refugee status were completely left to their fate based on the “disease carrier” perception during the pandemic. healthcare services in case of any dis- the pandemic precautions, millions of ease, it is almost impossible to prevent families and children are left simply to spread of a pandemic at these locations. misery and disease in the dangerous migration journey they started due to Having been perceived as a global threat war, famine and poverty. and displaced even before the pandem- ic, millions of people with immigrant Occasional opening of border gates as or refugee status were completely left to a threat between countries, and supply their fate based on the “disease carrier” of aids, even a little, came to a full stop perception during the pandemic. with the borders closed due to pan- demic and government aids suspended, Refugee camps and immigrant recep- which drove millions of people trying tion and supervision centers located to hold on to life in the camps into a on the borderlines and borders are great tragedy. The majority consisting the places with lowest possibility to of women and children left to the mer- take control of a pandemic. Millions of cy of malicious people that turned the people struggle to survive with almost pandemic into opportunity, refugees no life support or preventive measures and immigrants had to struggle with at these places where the spread risk all kinds of dangers as well as the pan- of pandemic is at the highest level. demic. Available data show that the Considering the modes of transmis- state of people displaced since 2019 has sion of the virus, it is not difficult at all become much worse, and their humani- to imagine the risks faced by families tarian needs have increased remarkably. and abandoned children staying at the Unsupervised and vulnerable children camps. are, without doubt, the ones that are most severely affected by these con- There are several examples proving that ditions. the life conditions in refugee camps and city reception centers, and the treat- In April 2020, UNICEF announced that ment of refugees at these places mostly there were 31 million children world- violate essential human rights. Besides, wide that were obliged to leave their it is observed that such negative situa- homes; more than 17 million of these tions experienced before the Covid-19 children were displaced within their pandemic have got much harder with own country; 12.7 million were in other the pandemic. With the countries clos- countries as refugees; and 1.1 million ing their borders completely as part of were asylum-seekers.67 According to the APRIL 2021 REPORT

report Lost at Home published in May abuse during this period. Furthermore, same year, there are 19 million children an increase is observed also in crimes across the world who have been dis- such as child labor, child trafficking, placed due to wars and conflicts only.68 child marriage, child organ trade, forced In brief, today, 31 million children have child soldiers. All these data point out access neither to any healthcare system to a terrifying future expecting us on a to prevent transmission of the virus, global scale. Before it is too late, urgent nor to a protection facility where their action must be taken to protect millions essential needs are met. of children who are struggling for their Countries’ decisions to close their lives under the risk of being the victim borders and restrict travels as part of of mentioned crimes at any time. pandemic precautions have also put It is of great importance that govern- aside the rights of children to seek asy- ments collaborate with international lum and get reunited with their family and local non-governmental organiza- members. This amounts to millions of tions to mitigate the direct and indirect displaced children worldwide being left effect of pandemic on the life of vulner- abandoned. Failure to meet the essen- able children, and prepare emergency tial needs of children, deprivation of children from parental protection, and action plans to meet the essential needs non-execution of the articles of UN of children such as security, health, nu- Convention on the Rights of Children, trition and education. Abandoned and have all made these children more vul- vulnerable children must be pulled away nerable to dangers; therefore, it would from dangerous environments as soon not be hard to imagine that there will as possible, their shelter and other needs be a remarkable spike in the number must be met, and family-based care of children who are victims of kidnap- and support plans69 must be put into ping, violence, human trafficking and practice right away.

Refugees and Global Child Trade

Human traffickers operate most actively take adequate precautions despite their in countries with high rates of war and widespread human trafficking oper- internal conflicts, poverty and famine. ations. Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Majority of the victims are citizens of Iran, Iraq, East Turkistan, Pakistan, Central Asian and African countries. Kazakhstan, India, Indonesia, Based on the 2020 Human Trafficking Bangladesh and Myanmar in the Asian Report by the US Department of State, continent; and South Sudan, Eritrea, these regions pose a great risk especially Chad, Nigeria, Democratic Republic for orphans since governments cannot of the Congo, Mali, Kenya, Lebanon, HUMAN RIGHTS 25 26

Human traffickers operate most actively in countries with high rates of war and internal conflicts, poverty and famine. Majority of the victims are citizens of Central Asian and African countries.

Egypt, Somalia, Libya, Sudan, Syria devices are used for the abuse of chil- and Algeria in the African continent dren living at a very long distance by are the countries with highest number the human trafficking crime organiza- of victims and highest human traf- tions; for instance, images with abusive ficking rates. Journeys starting from content of a child in Indonesia can be these countries usually end up in North disclosed to the entire world online. America and Europe. Researches show that crime organi- The child victim profiles have started zations primarily prefer forced labor to change rapidly since the crime or- and sex trafficking. The group with ganizations also make use of advanced highest risk consists of children of the technological devices. In this context, displaced families, who are abducted online child abuse, cyberbullying, por- by the gangs, abandoned children that nographic streams with child abuse fall into the hands of human traffickers content, and many materials such as during the immigration journey, and photos and videos featuring children children that are placed in different as sexual figures are transferred across groups from their families in the ref- the world by means of technology, ugee camps (a practice seen in some 70 leading to a serious social problem. countries). A research conducted in 2016 found that a total of approximately 5 million Another location with the most com- people worldwide are abducted each mon pedophilia cases is the Pacific year for sexual abuse purposes, includ- countries. Children in this region ing 3.8 million adults and 1 million are subject to sexual abuse of various children.71 The rapid increase in the forms. Sex trafficking is called “tour- number of children victims used in ism” in mainly Indonesia, Philippines sex trafficking during the recent years and Thailand, which are known as reveals the magnitude of danger very the countries with the highest child clearly. Crime organizations especially crime rates. In 2017, 70,000-80,000 in North America and Europe as the children became sex trafficking victims destination points of immigrants have in Indonesia.72 Number of pedophilia a significant role in the preparation and victims is not exactly known in the marketing of the said materials. Many country where online abuse is com- pedophilia cases are also reported in mercialized and offered to the global these regions. Advanced technological market. APRIL 2021 REPORT

It is stated that the refugee and immi- in Iran became the victims of physi- grant population is constantly increas- cal, psychological and sexual abuse, ing in Iran where number of human hired for hard labor or sold to other traffickers also escalated between 2015 countries; majority of these women and and 2020. As the country of transit to children are reported to be Afghan.73 reach Turkey and other countries after- wards, Iran has almost become the base Another base used by human traffickers of local and foreign human traffickers in Syria. Before the war in Syria, more due to the increasing population of than half of its 23 million population refugees and immigrants. Abducted was displaced. It is reported that over in other countries in Asia and brought 5.6 million Syrians immigrated to neigh- to Iran, victims are then transferred to boring countries as refugees as from various points of the world. Despite February 2019. During the transit of the prohibition of prostitution in Iran, displaced Syrian citizens to neighboring children aged 10 as the youngest as well countries, many women and children as women are used commercially by were held captive, forced to marry il- means of mut’a, which refers to tem- legal organization members, and be- porary marriage. Research by the US came the victim of organized sexual Department of State reports that more violence. Furthermore, it is claimed that than 4,000 marriages were recorded in thousands of abandoned children were 2019, which can be classified as com- trained in ISIS camps and houses where mercial sexual abuse through mut’a. they were subject to all kinds of abuse. The same research shows that about The fact that Syrian female refugees 7 million children aged from 10 to 15 were held captive by fraudulent groups HUMAN RIGHTS 27 28

Since the human trafficking involves different simultaneous crimes, not only the traffickers must be stopped, but also a fight must be started against other potential crimes.

in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey in war and conflict zones, spend any with the promise of marriage has also deterring efforts aimed at solution of been broadcast publicly.74 the problem, or even take records of the confirmed cases. Since the human trafficking involves different simultaneous crimes, not only Apart from these, prevention of pe- the traffickers must be stopped, but also dophilic tendencies, which is on rise a fight must be started against other across the globe and almost support- potential crimes. Various international ed in some circles under the cover of treaties are concluded to prevent hu- modernism and art, and therefore child man trafficking which constitutes a abuse, depends on the efforts of the serious impediment against the exercise society and official authorities. Raising of children rights. One such treaty is parents’ awareness of their children’s the “Palermo Protocol” aiming both protection, and provision of the neces- to stop human traffickers and enable sary protection for abandoned children access of victims to support services; as well as healthcare services, psycho- “Trafficking Victims Protection Act” logical support and accommodation was also enacted in 2000. During the facilities for the victims, are the main recent years, “European Council Action steps to be taken in the fight against Plan on Trafficking in Human Beings” this issue. was prepared with detailed provisions Prevention of online child abuse in one especially on protection of the victims, of the top priorities for the protection which is an important step taken to of children in today’s world. Strict con- stop human trafficking. However, the trol of the cyber network is of utmost desired outcome has not been achieved importance in this field requiring ur- yet due to reasons such as inability gent response especially for orphans; of countries to demonstrate the same moreover, there must be heavy penal- level of sensitivity against prevention ties with deterrence effect in place for of this crime or their negligence of the those that produce, share and market issue, and implementation of penal such content. Additionally, audits must sanctions with no deterrence effect. It be increased concerning social media is observed that many countries do not and online games played by children, even meet the minimum standards to with binding legal regulations in place prevent human trafficking especially and close monitoring. APRIL 2021 REPORT

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION FOR ORPHANS

According to the UN, 263 million chil- ious campaigns and awareness-rais- dren and young people worldwide can- ing efforts in Islamic countries have not attend school or receive education.75 produced positive results, and be- Based on the same data, 53% of the 61 tween 2010 and 2018, enrolment in million children of primary school age pre-school, primary, secondary and (6-11 years) who cannot attend school higher education has increased. The are girls. One fourth of children who figures for the member countries of the cannot go to school live in countries hit Organization of Islamic Cooperation by various social and economic crises, 76 went up from 24.9% to 45.3% for and it is estimated that a significant pro- pre-school education, from 98.2% to portion of these children are orphans.77 104.4% for primary education and from 58.4% to 68.9% for secondary Between 2010 and 2018, global school- education. However, these figures are ing rates increased by 20.4% for pre- currently below the world average.80 school education, by 6% for primary school, by 10.5% for secondary school The fight for the education of children and by 3.1% for higher education.78 In and increased schooling rates world- this process, it was noted that the share wide has come to a standstill during countries allocate from their domestic the Covid-19 pandemic. Shutdown of income for education also increased schools as part of the pandemic pre- along with a more positive approach cautions affected 1.5 billion children at to education in general. During the the educational age.81 While children in same period, the global literacy rate developed countries have had full access was 82.5%. In Islamic countries, this to online education systems during this rate remained at 73%.79 Indeed, var- period, many children in underdevel- HUMAN RIGHTS 29 30

According to a report by UNICEF, at least one-third of school-age children worldwide, i.e. 463 million children have not been able to access remote education. oped and developing countries have not Schools must be reopened by taking been able to continue their education the necessary precautions and make- due to both the inadequate technical up classes must be started immediate- infrastructure and economical reasons. ly for the disadvantaged children that According to a report by UNICEF, at were unable to attend education during least one-third of school-age children the pandemic; the necessary material worldwide, i.e. 463 million children have support must be provided for access not been able to access remote educa- to remote education; a new education tion.82 Continuing education became model must be designed which can en- impossible for children living in places dure crises and will not allow for gaps with not even electricity, let alone hav- to occur; and efforts must be focused ing in-house education equipment such on rehabilitation of children together as Internet, computers, television. It is with sociologists, social workers and predicted that such gap in education at educators at all levels. Losing or gain- hardship areas may trigger emergence ing a generation causes the countries to of national crises in the future. gain or lose at least 100 years in terms of social, political, economical, artistic Education has almost like a life saving and military development. Therefore, function for children living in regions the most urgent action to be taken for where the war, poverty and shortage the children is to continue education. affect the faith of humans. School is a According to figures based on data from savior for the children to grow up as 100 countries, South Asia ranks first qualified individuals for the future of among the hardship areas with inequality society, and to protect themselves from in education by 147 million, followed child labor, domestic abuse, child mar- by the entire African continent by 91 riages and many other negative condi- million, and East Asia-Pacific by 80 tions as well as falling into the trap of million.83 malicious organizations. Yet, abandoned and vulnerable children with no oppor- It is accepted that there is a direct link tunity of education in today’s pandemic between the absence of parents and ac- conditions are the most severely affected ademic success. When poverty, disa- ones by this situation; therefore, it is the bility and orphanhood in warzones are responsibility of all humanity to produce brought into the equation, the school- effective solutions for these children to ing rate of these children and their aca- continue their lives in a fair manner. demic success are significantly reduced. APRIL 2021 REPORT

well-trained teachers, to make the phys- According to figures based on data from 100 ical conditions of the schools suitable for countries, South Asia ranks first among the the disabled and to provide proper ma- terials and medical support. Investments hardship areas with inequality in educati- made in this area during the recent years on by 147 million, followed by the entire have produced positive results, and the African continent by 91 million, and East majority of the disabled population has Asia-Pacific by 80 million. reached a secondary education level, a step up from primary school. In order to However, education must be accessible get more effective results, national strat- and inclusive for all children. Because egies must be developed requiring that holistic education makes a serious con- especially the rights of orphan children tribution to the child in terms of social- with disabilities should be respected and ization, positive character development that the focus must be on measurable results.85 and recovery from trauma. Furthermore, it is crucial for orphan and vulnerable Social collaboration for rehabilitating children to rapidly increase the number children will have a lasting effect, and of educational institutions, especially in consequently, cases of social exclusion war and poverty zones, and to provide the and violence will also be significantly essential elements for a quality education reduced. It should be noted at this point and employ specialized psychologists in that it is not enough to only support these institutions. Conducting exempla- children's education. Threats faced by ry activities in this regard, Turkey tries children, especially orphans, should be hard to provide education to thousands of eliminated and more work should be done Syrian children and young people. More to increase social awareness. than 610,000 refugee children receive education in Turkey, both at schools It should be remembered that there are operated by the Ministry of Education, many notable figures in world history that and at institutions established by Syrian did not have a mother or a father who educators.84 served humanity in leading positions, like politicians and scientists. For the Another issue that needs attention and safety of all children, especially orphan special focus is the education of chil- and abandoned children, governments dren with disabilities. The education of should initiate awareness-raising cam- children with disabilities requires special paigns supported by work by non-gov- planning and professionalism, but the ernmental organizations that reach out education of orphans who are also disa- to individuals; while aid organizations bled must be provided with much more that rely on a volunteering workforce care and attention. At this point, it is of should enhance their scope of impact by great importance to increase the number setting themselves up more strategically of special education establishments and on larger territories. HUMAN RIGHTS 31 32

ENDNOTES

1 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/hunger-child-deaths-africa-stunt- ed-malnourished-a8945266.html 2 SESRIC, “Resilience Building Studies: Conflicts, Peace and Security”, http://www.sesric. org/conflicts-peace-security.php 3 Ahmet Burak Özkan, “Dünya genelinde öksüz ve yetim çocukların sayısı 140 milyon”, AA, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/info/infografik/5549 4 Hatice Sezgin, “Avrupa’da Kayıp Refakatsiz Mülteci Çocuklar”, İNSAMER Araştırma, Ağustos 2019, https://insamer.com/tr/avrupada-kayip-refakatsiz-multeci-cocuklar_2331. html 5 Cansu Nar, “Küresel Hastalık: Çocuk İstismarı”, İNSAMER Analiz, 17.09.2020, https:// insamer.com/tr/kuresel-hastalik-cocuk-istismari_3305.html (29.03.2021). 6 Children of Grace, “Who is an Orphan?”, https://childrenofgrace.com/who-is-an-or- phan/ 7 Global Child Advocates, “Every child needs the love of family”, https://globalchildadvo- cates.org/socialorphans 8 Child Fund International, “The Plight of Orphans in Belarus”, https://www.childfund. org/Content/NewsDetail/2147489706/ (29.03.2021). 9 Seda Bayraktar, İnsanlığın Kanayan Yarası Çocuk İstismarı ve İhmali, İstanbul: Nobel Tıp, 2015, s. 71-72. 10 Nar, “Küresel Hastalık...”. 11 World Childhood Foundation, 2019, https://www.childhood-usa.org/press-release (29.03.2021). 12 Bayraktar, s. 54. APRIL 2021 REPORT

13 “Europe becomes ‘hub’ for child sexual abuse content”, BBC, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/ news/technology39456093 (29.03.2021). 14 UNICEF, “Orphans”, https://www.unicef.org/media/orphans (29.03.2021). 15 UNICEF, “Orphans”, https://www.unicef.org/media/media_45279.html (29.03.2021). 16 Muslim Global Relief, “My Orphan”, http://www.muslimglobalrelief.org/my-orphan.aspx (29.03.2021). 17 UNICEF, “Çocuk Hakları ve Gazetecilik Uygulamaları Hak Temelli Perspektif”, http://www. unicef.org.tr/files/bilgimerkezi/doc/Cocuk%20Haklari%20ve%20Gazetecilik.pdf, s. 69. 18 ILO, “Child Labour”, https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/child-labour/lang--en/index.htm (29.03.2021). 19 H. Zehra Kavak, Dünyadaki Yetim Gerçeği, İHH İnsani ve Sosyal Araştırmalar Merkezi, 2014, s. 3. 20 Pınar Harmancı, “Dünyadaki ve Türkiye’deki İntihar Vakalarının Sosyodemografik Özel- likler Açısından İncelenmesi”, Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 2015. 21 UNESCO, “Education”, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/archives/education/themes/ leading-the-international-agenda/education-for-all/single-view/news/263_million_chil- dren_and_youth_are_out_of_school_from_primar/ (29.03.2021). 22 “Suriye’de Çocuk Olmak”, İNSAMER İnfografik, 2019, https://insamer.com/tr/suri- yede-cocuk-olmak_2025.html, (29.03.2021). 23 Save The Children, “Help Save Children in Somalia”, https://www.savethechildren.org/ us/what-we-do/where-we-work/africa/somalia (29.03.2021). 24 Save The Children, “Help Save Children in Yemen”, https://www.savethechildren.org/us/ what-we-do/where-we-work/greater-middle-east-eurasia/yemen (29.03.2021). 25 https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okuryazarl%C4%B1k_oran%C4%B- 1na_g%C3%B6re_%C3%BClkeler_listesi 26 Save The Children, “Help Save Children in Afghanistan”, https://www.savethechil- dren.org/us/what-we-do/where-we-work/greater-middle-east-eurasia/afghanistan (29.03.2021). 27 WWO, “Bangladesh without Orphans”, https://www.worldwithoutorphans.org/move- ments/country-movements/people_organization/13955(29.03.2021). 28 “Top Contributers and Efforts to Aid Orphans in Pakistan”, https://borgenproject.org/ orphans-in-pakistan/ (29.03.2021). 29 “Upporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria”, MSH, http://www.msh.org/ news-events/stories/supporting-orphans-and-vulnerable-children-in-nigeria-a-conver- sation-with (29.03.2021). 30 https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/11-countries-with-highest-orphan-popula- tion-406120/2/ 31 Emrin Çebi, İslam Dünyasında Yetimhanelerin Durumu ve İyileştirilmesine Yönelik Çalışmalar, İNSAMER, 22.06.2015, https://insamer.com/tr/islam-dunyasinda-yetim- hanelerin-durumu-ve-iyilestirilmesine-yonelik-calismalar_204.html 32 https://www.worldwithoutorphans.org/movements/country-movements/people_organ- ization/13963 33 “Orphan Crisis”, http://www.bloomworldwide.org/orphan-crisis-by-country/ HUMAN RIGHTS 33 34

34 Kavak, s. 3. 35 WWO, “Kenya without Orphans”, https://www.worldwithoutorphans.org/movements/ country-movements/people_organization/1395 36 WWO, “Ethiopia without Orphans”, https://www.worldwithoutorphans.org/movements/ country-movements/people_organization/13963 37 UNICEF, “Çocuk Hakları ve...”, s. 69. 38 UNICEF, “Child Mortality Estimates 2020”, https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-survival/ under-five-mortality/ (29.03.2021). 39 age. 40 UNICEF, “Şiddet Nedeniyle Yerinden Edilen 19 Milyon Çocuk”, 2020, https://www. unicefturk.org/yazi/19milyoncocuk_(29.03.2021). 41 UNICEF, “Salgının Mülteci Çocuklar Üzerindeki Etkisi”, 2020, https://www.unicefturk. org/yazi/koronavirus_multeci_ (29.03.2021). 42 “Number of child soldiers involved in conflicts worldwide jumps 159% in 5 years”, https:// thedefensepost.com/2019/02/11/child-soldiers-global-increase/ (29.03.2021). 43 UNICEF, “Çocuk Hakları ve...”, s. 69. 44 BM, Genel Kurul Güvenlik Konseyi, Çocuklar ve Silahlı Çatışma Genel Sekreter Raporu, 16 Mayıs 2018. 45 UNICEF, “Çocuk Hakları ve...”, s. 69. 46 Humanium, “Children of Afghanistan”, https://www.humanium.org/en/afghanistan/ 47 UNICEF, “Çocuk Hakları ve...”, s. 69. 48 “10,000 refugee children are missing, says Europol”, The Guardian, https://www.the- guardian.com/world/2016/jan/30/fears-for-missing-child-refugees 49 “Number of child soldiers...”. 50 UNICEF, “150 Milyon Çocuk Daha Yoksulluğa Sürüklendi”, 2020, https://www.unicefturk. org/yazi/koronavirus_yoksulluk_(29.03.2021). 51 UNICEF, “690 Milyon Kişi Açlık Çekiyor”, 2020, https://www.unicefturk.org/yazi/gida- guvenligi_(29.03.2021). 52 age. 53 age. 54 Alessio Perrone, “Hunger Causes Almost Half Of All Child Deaths İn Africa,Report Says”, Independent, 14.06.2019, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/hun- ger-child-deaths-africa-stunted-malnourished-a8945266.html(29.03.2021). 55 UNICEF, “690 Milyon Kişi…” 56 UNICEF, “150 Milyon Çocuk…”. 57 age. 58 UNICEF, “5 Yaş Altı Çocuk Ölümleri Artabilir”, 2020, https://www.unicefturk.org/yazi/ UN_IGME_,(29.03.2021) 59 UNICEF, “Child Mortality...”. 60 UNICEF, “Çocuk İşçiliği Artabilir”, 2020, https://www.unicefturk.org/yazi/koronavirus_ cocukisciligi_ (29.03.2021). APRIL 2021 REPORT

61 age. 62 “Legacy Of Operation Babylift”, https://www.adoptvietnam.org/adoption/babylift.htm 63 Agency for International Development, “Operation Babylift Report”, 1975, https://pages. uoregon.edu/adoption/archive/AIDOBR.htm 64 age. 65 Sevgi Altundal Hajdari, Tarihî Süreç İçerisinde Misyonerlik ve Misyonerlerin Yetim Faal- iyetleri, İHH, Ramazan 2016, https://insamer.com/tr/tarihi-surec-icerisinde-misyoner- lik-ve-misyonerlerin-yetim-faaliyetleri_454.html 66 Zülfiye Zeynep Bakır, 2018 Dünyanın Çocuk Karnesi, İNSAMER, Araştırma 63, Mayıs 2018, https://insamer.com/tr/2018-dunyanin-cocuk-karnesi_1490.html 67 UNICEF, “Salgının Mülteci Çocuklar Üzerindeki Etkisi”, 2020, https://www.unicefturk. org/yazi/koronavirus_multeci_(29.03.2021). 68 UNICEF, “Şiddet Nedeniyle Yerinden Edilen 19 Milyon Çocuk”, 2020, https://www. unicefturk.org/yazi/19milyoncocuk_(29.03.2021). 69 UNICEF, “Salgının Mülteci Çocuklar…”. 70 Yeliz Aksüt, Çocuk Cinsel İstismarının Sosyolojik Analizi (Malatya ÇİM Uygulaması), Yüksek Lisans Tezi, İnönü Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, 2020, s. 69. 71 Cara Kelly, “13 sex trafficking statistics that explain the enormity of the glob- al sex trade”, USA Today, 2019, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investiga- tions/2019/07/29/12-trafficking-statistics-enormity-global-sex-trade/1755192001/#:~:- text=In%202018%2C%20it%20received%205%2C147,were%20related%20to%20 sex%20trafficking.&text=According%20to%20the%20International%20Labour,and%20 4%25%20in%20the%20Americas (30.03.2021). 72 United States of America Department of States, 2020 Trafficking in Persons Report, ABD, 2020, s. 257-261. 73 age., s. 262-264. 74 age., s. 472-473. 75 UNESCO, “Education”. 76 “Education” https://www.unicefturk.org/yazi/egitim_calismalarimiz_dunyadan (29.03.2021). 77 Save The Children, “Help Save Children in Afghanistan”. 78 SESRIC, Statistical Yearbook on OIC Member Countries, 2019, s. 52. 79 https://www.dogrulukpayi.com/bulten/islam-isbirligi-teskilatinin-egitim-istatistikleri 80 SESRIC, s. 56-67. 81 UNICEF, “Çocukların En Az Üçte Biri Uzaktan Eğitime Katılamıyor”, 2020, https://www. unicefturk.org/yazi/koronavirus_egitimeerisim_(29.03.2021). 82 age. 83 age. 84 UNICEF, “Türkiye’de Çocukların Eğitim Yoluyla Korunması”, http://unicef.org.tr/basin- merkezidetay.aspx?id=32842 (29.03.2021). 85 A. Hümeyra Kutluoğlu Karayel, “Savaşın Engellileri: Engelli Yaşama Mahkûm Edilen Suriyeliler”, İNSAMER, Aralık 2018, https://insamer.com/tr/savasin-engellileri-engel- li-yasama-mahkm-edilen-suriyeliler_1873.html (29.03.2021). HUMAN RIGHTS 35 36

ANNEX

IHH ORPHAN AID ACTIVITY

An orphan supported by IHH is a child who has lost one or both their parents due to reasons such as wars, invasions, natural disasters, chronic poverty, diseases, accidents, etc. in Turkey or around the world, and lives with a relative or in an orphanage.

PURPOSE OF IHH ORPHAN AID

Ք Supporting orphans that cannot maintain a living on their own until they are competent enough to stand on their own legs, providing them with education, and preparing them for life with the affection of a family.

Ք Conducting activities on protection of the rights and freedom of orphans like all other children.

Ք Preparing safe environments for children where their both material and moral needs are met.

Ք Supporting the humans that grew up in regions where the social order is disturbed due to reasons such as wars, invasions, natural disasters, etc., and thus contributing in the establishment of social order.

IHH ORPHAN AID AREAS

Ք Warzones, refugee camps, and regions with ongoing effects of the war

Ք Natural disaster areas

Ք Chronic famine and poverty regions APRIL 2021 REPORT

IHH ORPHAN AID FIELDS Ք Education Ք Health Ք Shelter Ք Food Ք Clothing

ORPHAN AID PERIOD

IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation supports orphans with continuous and peri- odical aids.

Periodical aids: Collective aids provided to the regions in need on certain timeframes such as once in every three, four, six months or one year, aids provided on Ramadan, Eid, and Orphan Solidarity Days, and aids provided for education, healthcare, food, shelter projects are within the category of periodical aids. HUMAN RIGHTS 37 38

Continuous aids: These are the aids provided through the Orphan Sponsorship Support System. Thanks to this system, most of the education, healthcare, food and accommodation expenses of orphans are met by the supporters each month on a regular basis.

ORPHAN SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT SYSTEM

Started in 1992, orphan aid of IHH has gained momentum with the launch of Orphan Sponsorship Support System in 2005. This system aims to provide protection for orphans and it satisfies the needs of our orphan children for education, healthcare, shelter, food and clothing, thanks to regular donations.

In this system, a person, a family, an institution, a group of friends, a class or a school can be the sponsor of an orphan for 125 TL per month, and contribute in the satis- faction of orphan’s needs such as education, healthcare, shelter, food and clothing.

PROJECT SPONSORSHIP

Individual, institutional or organizational sponsorships help to achieve project based activities such as construction and renovation of orphanage / home for orphans, construction of health centers, furnishing of shelter houses, procurement of school furniture and other needs, healthcare etc. The projects conducted contribute in the improvement of orphans’ life conditions.

ORPHAN SUPPORT FUND

Except for Orphan Sponsorship Support System and Project Sponsorship, all orphan donations are collected in the Orphan Support Fund. Regardless of the amount, all kinds of contributions made for orphans are included in the Orphan Support Fund, and used in projects such as orphanage repairs, construction of libraries and dormi- tories for orphanages, clothing for festivals, healthcare services, and social activities for orphans.

ORPHANAGE WORKS

Aiming to raise orphan children in a mentally, physically and spiritually healthy manner, without breaking their bonds with their own lands and cultures, İHH has opened 38 orphanages, 1 Orphan Education Center and 1 Orphan Life Center in 13 countries. New orphanages are still being built in Pakistan and Somalia. APRIL 2021 REPORT

IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation started its orphanage works in 2003 by opening the Msal Orphanage in Pakistan. The orphanage has been providing shelter to orphan girls for 17 years, and its first guests are now continuing their education at university. Repairs and furnishings of orphanages are performed regularly, with all the care given to make those places a peaceful home for the children.

CLASSES COMPETING FOR KINDNESS

As part of the campaign conducted by IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation together with the Ministry of Education since 2013, students in Turkey lend a helping hand to their orphans peers from around the world. With this campaign, it is aimed to obtain voluntary contribution of preschool, elementary, secondary and high school students in order to meet basic needs, such as education, healthcare, food, clothing, sheltering, of the children in Turkey or in another country around the world who lost one or both of their parents due to circumstances such as wars, natural disasters, poverty, diseases etc., and thus spread goodness and welfare all around the world.

Hundreds of students from thousands of schools that have participated in the cam- paign until today have looked out for their orphan siblings from various countries of the world, and helped to meet their essential needs. Our classes/schools participating in the “Each Class Has an Orphan Sibling” campaign donated 125 TL for their or- phan siblings each month. Following the first donation, they received orphan brief information forms including details about their orphan sibling (child’s name, photo, country, date of birth, date of his/her father’s death, whether his/her mom is alive, number of siblings) together with their money-boxes. HUMAN RIGHTS According to UNICEF, about 10,000 children are left either paternal or maternal orphans every day across the world. Internationally accepted figures also indicate that number of orphan children around the world is at least 140 million; however, based on many evidences suggesting that there are millions of orphan or abandoned children which are not included in the official statistics, this figure is actually much greater.

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