The Effects of Environmental Damage on Children in Armed Conflicts
Publisher: Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation
Author(s): Olaitan O. Olusegun
Date: 2021
Topics: Governance, Programming, Public Health, Weapons, Waste, and Pollution
The environment is a great source of sustainability for humans and other aspects of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, the world, especially developing countries, has been hit by armed conflicts, which have great implications on the environment and all forms of life that depend upon it for their existence. Such effects are, however, more profound on children, who are one of the most defenseless groups of persons in armed conflicts. Nuclear weapons, small arms, fires, destruction of forests, water pollution, and air pollution are all methods of warfare that destroy the environment with a severe impact on children.
Using a doctrinal approach, this study examines the specific ways armed conflicts harm the environment and the effects of environmental degradation on children. Existing legal frameworks are discussed to determine their sufficiency and the extent of their effectiveness in protecting children from the effects of environmental degradation caused by armed conflicts. This is in addition to the steps that could help save children from environmental harm, as healthy children have better chances of contributing to the development of their communities and nation as a whole.