Page 81 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

Harun Yahya - Adnan Oktar

The Hardships Endured by Children

One of the believers' responsibilities is to alleviate the suffering of
children. Many children live under bridges, rifle through garbage cans,
and risk their lives for very little money. They have no homes and in-
sufficient nourishment, and many of them die. The number of children
who are subject to ill-treatment and violence, who are neglected, ex-
ploited, and sexually abused, continues to rise.
Statistical calculations by relevant agencies show just how serious
this problem is.

Poverty and Poor Health Conditions

- There are 2.2 billion children in the world: 1 billion live under the
poverty line. According to a UNICEF report, half of the world's chil-
dren suffer from poverty, conflict, and AIDS. 1
- An estimated 1.1 billion children do not grow up in a healthy
home environment. There are 90 million street children. 2
- Every year throughout the world, 40,000 children die.
- Handicapped children cannot take advantage of education or
their right to health. 85% of all children grow up with problems. 3
- In 2003, 10.6 million children died. Most of these deaths could
have been prevented. According to a 2005 UNICEF report, 29,158 die
each day before their fifth birthday. 4
- The child mortality rate is largely due to malnutrition. In devel-
oping countries, 174 million children aged 0-5 are malnourished and
underweight. 5
- Iron insufficiency in children under the age of 2 gradually makes
it hard for them to communicate and causes mental retardation. 6
- Only 71% of children have access to clean drinking water. 7

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