CHILDREN

AIDS Affected

Conflict Affected

Street Children

Children in Worst Forms of Labor

Children living with a Disability

Orphaned

Evidence of spread of HIV/AIDS with armed forces.

Orphaned children more susceptible to HIV/AIDS.

Many parts of Africa have double burden of HIV/AIDS as well as conflicts.

War orphans are more vulnerable to abuse, and to lack of access to education and to health services

Some of the street children are orphans.

In rural areas, they wander around the villages.

Likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, some are sexually abused.

Orphaned children may end up in the worst forms of labor.

In conflict situations, orphans may become child soldiers.

Conflict situations may increase the numbers of children with physical disabilities (mine victims, amputees in Sierra Leone).

Poor health services may lead to polio, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental retardation.

Separated from Parents

Due to breakdown of social support systems during conflict, orphans lack community support for HIV/AIDS.

Displaced and unaccompanied refugees.

Increase in number of child headed households

Children separated from parents as a consequence of conflicts are at high risk of ending up as street children.

Children separated from parents are at risk of being recruited as child soldiers

Many children with disabilities are abandoned by their parents during times of crisis.

Living with Dysfunctional Parents

Children living with parents who are injured or traumatized by the war do not get adequate stimulation

Stress in the home resulting from the conflict may lead to abuse of children, who in turn may choose life in the street to escape abuse.

Children running away from dysfunctional homes are easy recruits for armed groups.

Children living with dysfunctional parents are at risk of developing emotional disorders, specially if traumatized.

With Needs Beyond Parental Care

Not possible to have PMCT initiatives in conflict situations.

Greater number of children born with HIV during situations of conflict

Ex-child soldiers and ex abductees, which increase as a result of conflict, generally require special attention.

Children who may be abusing drugs, involved in crime, and young female ex-abductees or ex-combatants with children.

Child soldiers, abductees still under the control of their captors, and girls forced to marry rebels.

Amputees and mine-affected children.

Source : Integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Interventions into World Bank Lending for Conflict Affected Populations - A Toolkit