How do wars affect the lives of ordinary people including children?
The common people are very much affected by the wars particularly the children. Their families are dragged out of their homes and have no home, food, or security and hence become refugees. Quite a number of them lose family members and in some cases this denies children of their parents.
Kids are sent back home, schools are burnt or shut down and childhood dreams are taken away. Trauma and fear of violence leave an emotional wound that is never healed. It is hard to access clean water, health, and basic needs and that makes one sick and suffer. Children can be enlisted as child soldiers or be used as sources of labor. A day-light bully is a day-light bully. Wars are not continued after battles, they are continued to ruined lives, missed chances and ruined societies which need years, or decades to restore.
Tell us about one historical war that had a major impact on the world?
One of the historical wars which affected the world significantly is world war II 1939 1945. It involved lots of countries in Europe and Asia as well as the Americas thus being the deadliest war in history. More than 70 million killings occurred with millions of civilians and holocaust victims. So the war was won leading to the destruction of the Nazi Germany and imperial Japan but with the devastated cities and also ruined economies.
It also brought about the establishment of United Nations in 1945 that has the agenda of ensuring that the world does not experience conflicts in the future. The result of the war was the redrawing of political maps and rise of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The impact continues to affect international relations, the human rights policy and global peace initiatives as of today.
To survive in war people need to be careful and ready. The first is to be informed by using quality news and government updates. Evacuate speedily and be aware of the shelter locations around. Be prepared with emergency food, water, medication and documentations.
Avoid crowds and risky locations especially where there are fights taking place. In case it is possible keep indoors and avoid windows. And remain in touch with both family members and neighbors. Parents are advised to ensure that children keep near adults whom they can trust. When you turn into a refugee, seek aid organizations to register. Above all, stay calm and not to worry, attentive and optimistic until peace is restored. Priorities are put on safety first.
To abolish wars and enact peace there has to be international cooperation, comprehension and respect. Countries have to settle disputes not by bloodshed. The authorities must advocate diplomacy, fairness and justice in business relations. Schools can contribute to such approach by educating the youth and into tolerance, empathy and importance of peace.
The international institutions such as the United Nations should reinforce the peacekeeping activities and help prevent conflict. People around the world should not take note of hate, racism and greed and they should adopt love and unity instead. Through collaboration, equitable sharing of resources and listening to one another is one way through which nations are able to build trust. World peace will begin by an individual and it will spread due to kindness, cooperation and the mutual desire of having a better world.