A Dundee MP is demanding UK ministers do more to protect children in war zones such as Syria.
Chris Law, who is the SNP’s international development spokesman, said the British Government could go further to limit the impact of conflict on civilians.
Mr Law is expected to say in a Westminster debate on Wednesday: “We must see efforts to update the UK government’s civilian protection strategy to include a focus on explosive weapons in populated areas, further funding for conflict-prevention initiatives and peacekeeping training for military forces on child protection.”
The Dundee West member will raise the “harrowing picture of young Aylan Kurdi, lifeless on the beach” and Omar Daqneesh, who was photographed covered in blood and dust in the back of an ambulance, both of which have come to symbolise the Syrian tragedy.
Mr Law will add: “Many of the scars of war are invisible – there must be steps taken to tackle the psychological harm that children experience.
“We must lead the way in post-conflict trauma prevention and invest in programmes that includes providing the right mental health support, training local mental health and social workers, and assisting children with disabilities.
“How many more Aylan Kurdi’s or Omar Daqneesh’s must there be before we take practical efforts to bring safety and security to children, many of whom have been born into conflict?”
