June 2, 2025

(Excerpt) Salesian Missions, the U.S.-based development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, is joining efforts to promote the United Nations’ annual International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, marked on June 4.

The day, which received the U.N. designation in 1982, “acknowledges the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse,” the Salesian Missions said in an announcement. It also noted the commitment by the U.N. and bodies like the Salesians to protect the rights of children.

The work to protect children in areas of conflict and instability is guided by the international Convention on the Rights of the Child, which UNICEF says is the most widely ratified international human rights treaty in global history.

Among the countries where Salesian mission work is assisting children in need include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Myanmar and Niger.

In Myanmar, Salesian missionaries have provided housing and food to 350 boys who are living in Salesian communities, funded by Salesian Missions. Most of the youths are from war-afflicted areas. The Salesian communities supported include Nazareth, Thibaw, Hlaing Thar Yar and Mandalay.

Even before an earthquake in March, Myanmar faced enormous political and social challenges, stemming from conflict.

Other recent or upcoming international days also being marked by Salesians include Global Day of Parents, supporting parents facing vulnerable situations on June 1; World Environment Day on June 5; and World Day Against Child Labor, marked on June 12.

See the full article here.