Children and war - vulnerability and resilience

Abstract

In 2023 approximately 339 million people needed humanitarian assistance and protection. This was a significant increase from the 274 million people in need in 2022, which was already the highest figure in decades (Global Humanitarian Overview 2023, 2023). Children are particularly vulnerable in these situations. Children living in and fleeing from areas affected by war and armed conflicts face a myriad of challenges that can have profound and lasting effects on their development and overall well-being. Multiple studies reveal the high prevalence of mental disorders and psychopathology among child and adolescent refugees and asylum seekers. Research have revealed multiple risk and protective factors among children exposed to conflicts and war. These factors contribute to the adaptation processes, vulnerability, and resilience. This article discusses the risk and protective factors as well as the processes of vulnerability and resilience among children in conflict-affected regions, drawing from key research articles that shed light on the complexities of this issue.