Children are the most tragic victims of war. They do not choose to fight, yet they grow up in the shadows of destruction, their lives shaped by violence beyond their control. The images in this category depict childhood interrupted: Little Benazir playing in the rubble of her destroyed home, Amra studying for her computer degree despite the dangers, and children simply existing in a world that has been turned upside down. And yet, their presence is a symbol of hope—of a future that continues despite war’s attempt to steal it away.

These photos invite us to consider the long-term impact of war on those who survive it. What does it mean to grow up in a place where safety does not exist?