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WAIMH position paper: Infants' rights in wartime
Miri Keren1, Ghasson Abdallah2, Sam Tyano3
1Geha Mental Health Center, Tel Aviv University Medical School, Petakh Tikva, Israel.
Infant Mental Health Journal
|August 16, 2019
Summary
This paper highlights the critical need to address the psychological impact of war on infants, advocating for greater attention to their mental health needs in humanitarian efforts. It reviews research on wartime trauma
Area of Science:
- Infant Mental Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Global Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on the psychological effects of wartime trauma on infants.
- Humanitarian aid often overlooks infants' mental health needs, prioritizing older children.
- The World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH) addresses this gap with a position paper.
Discussion:
- Examines studies on prenatal and postnatal exposure to war-related trauma.
- Reviews existing recommendations within the Children's Rights Convention.
- Highlights implications for infant mental health practitioners working in conflict zones.
Key Insights:
- War profoundly impacts infant development and psychological well-being.
- Existing frameworks inadequately protect infants' mental health rights in conflict.
- There is an urgent need for specialized interventions for infants exposed to trauma.
Outlook:
- Calls for increased global attention to infant mental health in wartime.
- Advocates for integrating infant-specific psychological support into humanitarian aid.
- Emphasizes the importance of policy and clinical practice changes to uphold infants' rights.