Protecting children from abuse is an absolute moral imperative, as children are inherently vulnerable and incapable of harming adults in any way. Child abuse, characterized by one-sided bullying and oppression, represents a grave inhumanity within society that demands the condemnation of those responsible for their unforgivable and shameful acts.
Child abuse takes various forms, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect by family members or caregivers. These actions can inflict lasting harm on a child’s life and obliterate their future prospects. Moreover, any actions by parents or guardians that harm a child’s physical or mental well-being, or their failure to prevent abuse, can be classified as child abuse. To address this, nations around the world have enacted laws with their own definitions and criteria for prosecuting offenders in cases of child abuse.
The term “child maltreatment” encompasses all forms of neglect and abuse that threaten a child’s well-being. Norms surrounding child maltreatment are influenced by cultural standards, child development, and the responsibilities of guardianship. The criteria for identifying child abuse cases can vary across societies and cultural contexts, evolving with changes in different eras.
Efforts to protect children involve a wide range of stakeholders, including child protection agencies, legal and medical professionals, public health officials, researchers, and child welfare consultants. However, inconsistencies in the definitions and approaches to child abuse prevention hinder the protection of children.
The concept of “abuse” encompasses both acts of commission and omission. Some healthcare professionals include neglect as a form of abuse. The World Health Organization defines child abuse and maltreatment as any improper physical or mental actions, sexual abuse, or neglect that may harm a child’s physical and mental development, affect their sense of responsibility, trust, and empowerment, or result in financial or other forms of exploitation. Consequently, no country or society should tolerate violations of children’s rights or the perpetration of child abuse in any form, and such acts should be vehemently condemned.
In Myanmar, where Buddhism plays a significant role in people’s lives from an early age, the teachings of Lord Buddha emphasize compassion, sympathy, and loving-kindness towards all beings, rejecting any form of bullying or harm. Given these principles, child abusers in Myanmar are viewed with great shame, and their reintegration into society is nearly impossible due to the gravity of their guilt.
The protection of children from abuse is not just a legal and ethical obligation but also a reflection of a society’s moral values and commitment to ensuring the well-being and future prospects of its youngest members.
