The impact of armed conflict on children - the most vulnerable members of society - are horrendous and permanent.

It is tragic that an estimated 6 million Syrian children depend on humanitarian aid.

According to UNICEF almost 15 million children are suffering hardship and trauma from the war in Syria and Iraq, highlighting the needs of children struggling to cope with severe violence and the danger to the rest of the world of failing to help a generation preyed upon in these conflicts.

Further, the conflict in Yemen has also taken a devastating toll on children.

UNICEF estimates that more than 460,000 children in Yemen face severe malnutrition, while 3.3 million children and pregnant or lactating women suffer from acute malnutrition. Even after the conflict ends, the effects of malnutrition, stunted growth and delayed cognitive development - may linger - and, in the worst cases, be fatal.

Two years ago Anthony Lake, the director of UNICEF, dolefully highlighted a bleak future for the children in the following statement:

“Violence and suffering have not only scarred their past, they are shaping their futures.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Daily News Tuesday, 14 March 2017

Darul Ihsan Media Desk