Conflicts and war can have a profound and enduring impact on children and families. From physical wounds to emotional scars, conflict and war can affect a child on many levels.
Around the world, more than 420 million children – or one in six children – are living in a conflict zone. Millions more are living in a country affected by conflict.
Below are the different ways in which conflict harms children and how, together, we can help alleviate its impacts.
Photo above: Giovanni Diffidenti / WeWorld
Where Children are Impacted by War and Conflict
Children around the world – from Ethiopia to Afghanistan and Ukraine – are without food, clean water, shelter and protection.
In Ukraine, an average of at least two children have been killed or injured every day since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Millions more children have fled their homes and are living in temporary shelters in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Thirteen-year-old David remembers when the shooting first began in his town, near the capital Kyiv.
In Afghanistan, the impact of conflict on children has been compounded by the effects of drought, food shortages and poverty. Restrictions and limited work opportunities have made it difficult for women to earn an income; widowed and single mothers and their children are hungry.
There are many more countries that are facing war or conflict right now; in every case, children are the most vulnerable.
The Impacts of War and Conflict on Children
Children caught up in conflict are often deprived of food, protection, education, and their childhood. Many families who have fled their homes have no way of earning an income, so cannot access food, clean water, or health care. Without assistance, children are more likely to face hunger, sickness and disease.
According to the United Nations (UN), there are Six Grave Violations against children during armed conflict.
- Killing and maiming of children
- Recruitment or use of children as soldiers
- Sexual violence against children
- Abduction of children
- Attacks against schools or hospitals
- Denial of humanitarian access for children
Between 2005 and 2022, the UN verified 315,000 grave violations against children in conflict.
Children who have been forced to leave their homes because of war and conflict are often without alternative shelter and cannot go to school. This puts them at a higher risk of abuse and exploitation. Displaced girls and women, and unaccompanied children, are particularly at risk.
Exposure to violence, and constant fear and uncertainty caused by war and conflict, can have negative, long-term impacts on children. This includes a child’s psychological, emotional, and social development. Poor development in these areas can affect a child’s ability to learn and, in turn, their job prospects in the future. This means, for a child living in poverty, conflict will perpetuate the cycle of disadvantage in their family.
How Does War Affect Children’s Wellbeing?
The trauma of witnessing an extremely stressful or terrifying event — violence, losing family members, and the instability of displacement — can severely impact children’s long-term mental wellbeing. More commonly referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), symptoms of this mental health condition may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Children displaced by conflict and violence may also experience depression, have difficulty concentrating, and withdraw from social interactions.
The negative effects of war on children are numerous and far-reaching. They include:
- Physical injuries and disabilities
- Malnutrition and starvation
- Disrupted education and limited access to schooling
- Increased risk of exploitation and abuse
- Loss of family members and caregivers
- Psychological trauma and mental health issues
What can I do to Help Children in Conflict?
At ChildFund, we are working with local partners on the ground in conflict zones and conflict-affected communities to help children and their families survive and begin to recover from the impacts of war.
Donating to ChildFund can provide essential resources to families affected by war, helping them rebuild their lives and support their children’s development. Creating safe spaces, offering psychological support, and providing educational opportunities are crucial steps in helping families recover and thrive despite the challenges posed by conflict.
A donation to our Children in Conflict appeal can help provide food, clean water and health care to displaced children and their families.
It can also help create safe spaces for children, where they can play and experience a sense of normality amid the turmoil and uncertainty caused by conflict. These spaces also offer counselling for children to help them cope and recover from the psychological, social, and emotional impacts of conflict.
To help even more children, you can donate monthly to ChildFund Australia. A regular donation allows us and our local partners to quickly respond to conflicts and crises, as well as continue the long-term work that supports children and young people to be safe, healthy, and educated. Or, round up your colleagues and give back together through workplace giving.
By understanding the profound impact of war and conflict on children, we can better advocate for their protection and support their recovery. Your contributions and support are crucial in making a difference in their lives.
Use our tax calculator to estimate the potential tax benefit of your donation.
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This table is based upon 2018-2019 ATO individual Income Tax rates. The above rates do not include the Medicare Levy of 2%. The exact level of your tax deductibility will vary depending on your present financial circumstances. Please seek assistance from an independent taxation professional for formal guidelines.
Tax time is fast approaching.
While going through your income and expenses over the past financial year can be a taxing affair, there are some easy ways to minimise the stress and boost your tax refund through a charitable donation.
Donating to charity is not only a great way to give back and create positive change in developing communities, but donations are a great way to also reduce your taxable income. This means you’ll pay less tax, while helping refugees, children and mothers in need.
Most of the donations you’ve made to charity over the past year are tax deductible, so start gathering those receipts and counting how much you’ve given back, to get back on your tax year refund.
Is my donations tax deductible?
Yes, charitable gifts and donations can be tax deductible. However, not all charitable organisations qualify for this initiative. Here’s how tax deductible donations work, you can only claim a tax return for gifts or donations to organisations that have the status of ‘deductible gift recipients (DGR)’. DGRs are simply charities or organisations that are officially registered to receive tax deductible gifts. You can find more information on this below.
To review more details on what types of charities qualify for this initiative you can read more on the ATO website.
Are companies and businesses able to claim tax deductible donations?
Businesses can claim donations to charity on their taxes just like individuals. Tax time is a great opportunity to amp up workplace giving programs or social responsibility schemes.
As a business owner, or executive, all you need to do is donate a cash gift to your chosen charity and keep the receipt. The ATO will recognise your donation as a deductible gift to charity.
How a tax deductible donation can boost your tax return
It is a fairly straightforward process to make and claim a tax donation, but if you are ever unsure then contact a professional, like your tax agent.
There are a range of factors to consider when making a charitable donation to boost your Australian tax return. Whether you’re making a regular donation, or donating for the first time, we’ve got five quick tips to help you make the most out of your giving.
1 – Make sure your charity is registered
“Gift” donations (when you donate money or property to charity without receiving any material benefit in return) can only be claimed on your tax return if your charity has been endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
You can check whether your chosen charity is reputable and registered as a DGR, on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission website
Does claiming a tax deductible donation affect the amount of money a charity receives?
Claiming a tax deduction from a gift donation doesn’t affect the amount of money the charity receives, just what you’re entitled to deduct at tax time.
It is a mutually beneficial gift that reduces your taxable income. Claim a deduction and support individuals and families living in disadvantaged communities.
2 – Keep your donation receipts
Donations that are $2 or more are tax deductible. Get and keep the receipt of any donation you make in case you need to show your tax agent or accountant, or the ATO. The ATO recommends keeping receipts for five years after completing your tax return in case they need to ask you to substantiate your claim.
You can keep a record of your tax deductions and income in one place on the myDeductions app.
3 – Know and record your “contributions”
In addition to gift donations, you may be able to claim a tax deduction on any “contributions” you’ve made to charity.
A contribution is when you receive something with a monetary value from the charity in return for your donation. For example, a ticket to a fundraising dinner would not be considered as a gift donation but it may be considered as a contribution.
You may be able to claim a part of your contribution as a tax deduction.
4 – Talk to a tax agent/accountant
The limit to how much you can claim will depend on the type of gift or contribution you make. If you’re unsure about what and how much you can claim as a tax deduction, or sifting through your income and expenses over the past year just seems too time-consuming or complicated, consider visiting an accountant or tax agent for tax advice.
5 – Support a charity or cause that matters to you
If you’re at a loss at which charity to choose, but want to make a donation for tax purposes, a good strategy is to think about what matters to you.
Find out if a charity supports individual donations
Individuals might wish to choose a charity that aligns with their personal values and ethics. Some charities might relate to your family history or challenges you’ve faced in the past. Tax refund time is an opportunity to support others facing similar circumstances, and help people in need overcome them.
You may also reflect upon your circumstances and donate to support those living in conditions different to what you’ve experienced. Tax time can be used as a moment of reflection, to be thankful we are who we are, and give back to those in need.
In either case, you might decide to support children and communities, or donate to protect refugee children living in the world’s largest refugee camp. These are only some ways to choose a charity at tax time, but what’s important is that you give to a cause that matters to you.
Choosing a charity for corporate donations
Businesses and corporations could align their choice with their company values or culture. For example, if you’re a recruiter, you may wish to support communities facing heavy unemployment or poverty rates. Caterers might donate to feed families impacted by crisis, and communication-based organisations could donate school supplies to support education.
We also have a range of other initiatives that may catch your interest, such as donating to our Child Protection appeal. You can view our selection of initiatives on the ChildFund Appeals page.
Give Back to Get Back
If you haven’t donated to charity in the past financial year, it’s not too late! Donations made before 30 June, in any amount above $2, are considered tax deductible, and will raise the value of your tax return.
All you need to do is search for charities online, choose a cause that you care about, and make a donation. If you would like to support children in developing communities, visit our donation portal now.
For more information on charity donations and tax deductions, visit the Tax Office and ACNC websites.
