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Experiences of Children Who Have Survived War TraumaSpecial Concerns of Refugee and Immigrant Children – What They May Have Experienced Internal conflicts, ethnic strife, and socioeconomic catastrophes have increased enormously the past few years. Consequently, civilians have become targets in these conflicts, and have had to flee their home to other countries in search of refuge. What experiences have refugee children gone through? What concerns are associated with refugee children? International Children’s Institute The true-life stories and art works in this gallery constitute a remarkable statement about children and war. Many of the contributions were written and painted by Bosnian children and youth in the late 1990s. Apart from differences among the refugees, there are some shared messages in these stories and the art work. These are not just stories of distress, though some of them are certainly distressing to read. These are stories of love and courage, of compassion and generosity. A.K.’s Story Years go by. A great pain is constricting my chest as the memories refuse to fade away. Memories of a warm house and a carefree childhood. I remember family lunch. I remember a soft bed, being curled up in it with my mother’s blanket like a dove covered in the crimson rays of the sun… A.B.’s Story As a child I was forced to leave my home. It meant that I was separated from everything I grew up with, played with, dreamt of, and had little adventures with. Still, there are some things in this life stronger than a child’s yearning or a person’s affection… Additional Resources Hidden Scandal, Secret Shame – Torture and Ill-Treatment of Children |