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Khalil is a cheeky 13-year old who lives with his grandparents. He loves sports and his friends. He's not such a fan of school and homework. When he grows up, he wants to run a café.
Just a couple of years ago, he was orphaned and alone in a foreign land. (1/10)
Just a couple of years ago, he was orphaned and alone in a foreign land. (1/10)
Khalil spent five years abroad in a conflict zone, where his father went to fight. His mother and brothers were killed in shelling, and he was injured.
He spent 10 months in an orphanage before being repatriated.
His grandparents were overjoyed at his return. (2/10)
He spent 10 months in an orphanage before being repatriated.
His grandparents were overjoyed at his return. (2/10)
Due to the trauma he had suffered, Khalil struggled to adjust to his new life.
His behavior worsened. Exhausted, his grandparents sometimes told him they regretted his return.
Every time they spoke of sending him away, the little boy became more and more distressed. (3/10)
His behavior worsened. Exhausted, his grandparents sometimes told him they regretted his return.
Every time they spoke of sending him away, the little boy became more and more distressed. (3/10)
Families in such situations need help.
They need a lot of support themselves to be the support the child needs on his or her return.
@ICRC offers this where we can. In Khalil’s case, we provided direct psychological support for him and his grandparents. (4/10)
They need a lot of support themselves to be the support the child needs on his or her return.
@ICRC offers this where we can. In Khalil’s case, we provided direct psychological support for him and his grandparents. (4/10)
Teachers, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists also have an important role to play in the lives of children like Khalil.
We work with authorities to provide training on topics like understanding trauma in children and creating a safe environment. (5/10)
We work with authorities to provide training on topics like understanding trauma in children and creating a safe environment. (5/10)
One year on, Khalil and his grandparents’ lives have changed.
The young teenager is making sense of what happened to him and is calmer.
He attends school regularly and he trusts that his grandparents love him. (6/10)
The young teenager is making sense of what happened to him and is calmer.
He attends school regularly and he trusts that his grandparents love him. (6/10)
Above all, he sees a future for himself.
With support, his family and wider community have managed to create the safe, secure environment that is so important for his healing. (7/10)
With support, his family and wider community have managed to create the safe, secure environment that is so important for his healing. (7/10)
Khalil’s story shines some light on the difficulties that exist. It also shows the difference the right support can make.
Sadly, many families are not receiving the same level of care as Khalil did.
And many more children have yet to return to their home countries. (8/10)
Sadly, many families are not receiving the same level of care as Khalil did.
And many more children have yet to return to their home countries. (8/10)
The situation is bleak and extremely complex, but not hopeless.
States can learn from each other. Solutions, expertise and a body of best practice already exist and continues to develop.
There is advice and guidance available, including from the ICRC. (9/10)
States can learn from each other. Solutions, expertise and a body of best practice already exist and continues to develop.
There is advice and guidance available, including from the ICRC. (9/10)
Khalil is lucky enough to be spending today far away from violence and conflict, with a loving family who have learned how to support him.
Every stranded child deserves a similar chance.
#WorldChildrensDay
Every stranded child deserves a similar chance.
#WorldChildrensDay
