I cherish the moments of reading children’s books to kids. I fondly recall sharing the enchanting tale of ‘Heidi’ with my young sister every night. While I read, even my elder sister and aunt would join us, engrossed in the story.

Heidi’s world was therapeutic for us. It brimmed with the pure innocence of childhood, the allure of mountains and breathtaking landscapes that children yearn to explore, the precious friendships that nurture their lives, the kind-hearted individuals who provide them with security and love, strong family bonds, and a symphony of laughter, beauty, and happiness. This, we believed, epitomized the essence of a perfect childhood.

But some childhoods are lost.

Children very often become victims of assault and violence. Their childhood memories get smeared with painful episodes. They are deprived of the fun and frolic that childhood should consist of. 

And who is responsible for it? We, the adults.

One of the best works of art that demonstrates child abuse and depicts some reasons for it perfectly is “Los Intocables,” or “The Untouchables” by Cuban artist Erik Ravelo. This work stirred up a lot of controversy and comments.

It is supported by the UNHATE Foundation which is the core of Benetton Group’s social activities.

What does the artwork represent?

The artwork has an adult and a child positioned in the form of a cross. It compares the victim and the abuser where the abuser stands in the shape of a cross and the child is crucified on his back.

The word “untouchables” refers to the children who need protection and also to the abusers who remain untouched by justice.

The artwork has photos that depict how children are threatened and abused around the world.

It raises awareness of the right to childhood and the threats they face.

Let us go through each of the controversial images and realize for ourselves the brutality and abuse that some children become victims of: –

Image 1: Child Sexual Abuse by Priests

Cases of sexual abuse of children below the age of consent by priests have been reported around the world. In the Catholic Church, it has been reported as far back as the 11th century.

Most of the time such crimes are unreported and even the Church authorities cover things up.

While many girls are also abused, the majority of the victims turn out to be boys between 11 to 14 years of age.

In most cases, the accused is shuffled to another country and there is no justice.

As the image represents, the responsibility of the crime remains with the abuser and the pain of the abuse is stuck in the child forever.

Image 2: Sexual trafficking

Thailand is infamous for its sex tourism. Sex tourism is an extremely profitable industry but it becomes highly unethical and exploitative when it provides tourists access to minors.

Sexual trafficking of children and child prostitution is a threatening crisis that this industry has created.

“The multimillion-dollar child sex tourism industry is supported by foreigners who travel to developing countries where widespread poverty and corrupt law enforcement foster an illicit environment in which they can have sex with children as young as 5 for as little as $5, often with little recourse, said Geoffrey Keele, a child protection spokesperson at UNICEF, the world’s largest child care organization.”

 Source: https://abcnews.go.com/thelaw/Story?id=3385318&page=1

Predators are everywhere but remain untouchable.

Image 3: Child deaths and abuse in Syria

The fresh breeze through the windows… the fragrance of blooming flowers…the chirping of happy birds… the school bells…the playgrounds…that is what children love.

In Syria, the war has made children endure the worst. They have seen violence, bombardments, shootings and destruction on a daily basis. They have lost their entire families and suffered tremendous mental and physical abuse.

Almost 12000 children have been wounded or killed by the civil war in Syria.

It is a nightmare for kids!

Image 4: Use of children’s organs for black market organ trade

The illegal organ trade of children’s organs has increased with the ever-increasing demand for human organs. Organ trafficking has grown worldwide.

The number of children who are being killed for the organ trade is alarming. This is a huge threat to the underprivileged population of developing countries and poses a risk of large-scale child exploitation.

How can we take a life to save another? And why should children pay for it?

Image 5: Deaths of children by US gunmen

The debate on the ownership of guns remains polarized.

The deaths of children due to US gunman shootings never end.

Hearts break. Families are destroyed. The community mourns. But the cycle keeps repeating.

When will it stop?

Image 6: Child abuse via poisonous food of fast food chains

I have a thirteen-year-old sister who has put on a lot of weight. Our family was concerned because of the weight she was gaining so quickly but we could not stop her from eating all that she wanted. We were scared that she would become Obese and grow up and have health issues until the BTS boy band came into her life.

Children are easily influenced and inspired. Somehow, becoming a fan of the music band made her want to lose weight and she started working out and eating healthy. It’s ridiculous how we could never help her out but a Korean band could.

Similarly, fast food companies might not be doing as heinous a crime as those gunmen or war criminals. But its influence on children cannot be ignored or denied.

Children who are obese are not only prone to bullying, stigma, anxiety and depression but they usually live with severe disease risk factors.

And yes, it leads to many deaths!

Image 7: Child deaths due to nuclear pollution

We know the effects of the two bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Till today, children are born with complications and conditions like mental disorders.

These genetic mutations are the results of nuclear pollution. It leads to diseases like cancer, leukaemia, anaemia and haemorrhage.

It is the cause of many premature deaths and carries a global health risk.

Nobody deserves to have such a death. Children, definitely not!

[Source: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/radioactive-pollution-causes-effects-solutions.php]

CONCLUSION

As we reflect on the haunting images presented by Erik Ravelo and the disturbing realities of child abuse they depict, it’s natural to wonder what can be done to protect children from such atrocities.

While the issue is complex and multifaceted, there are several steps that individuals, communities, and organizations can take to make a difference.

Education, support systems, reporting, legislation, and mental health support are vital in breaking the cycle of child abuse and fostering a brighter future for vulnerable children.

By addressing child abuse through supporting organizations that work toward the same goals, we can strive to create a world where every child can experience the innocence, safety, and happiness that childhood should be about.

About the artist

Eric Ravelo is a Cuban Artist who has bagged many awards and praises for his work. He is a former Creative Director for Fabrica.

He is also the author of numerous social campaigns for well-known organisations.

The international press has published his work and many important exhibitions have also showcased his art forms.

Check out his portfolio for all his brilliant works here: https://erikravelo.myportfolio.com/unemployee-of-the-year-benetton

What do you think is the solution to such child abuse? How can we save the children?

Also Read:https://neoprotagonist.com/homeless-at-home-abuse-and-discrimination-within-a-family/