Children caught in conflict pay too dearly

This is in reference to Sulaiman Hakemy's op-ed With so many kids stuck in Syria, does the world still care about child rights? (April 26): in conflict, children are punished for no fault of theirs and their trauma continues indefinitely. Perhaps not enough attention is paid to issues that affect children, women and the elderly. Children's well-being is of critical importance. Violence around the world needs to end for their lives to be anywhere near normal. It is the responsibility of governments to pay attention to the suffering and trauma of children – which has life-long effects – and bring normality back to their lives.

It is not easy to find a sustainable way out of conflict. If not the respective governments then the Human Rights Commission and other independent organisations should help the countless children in countries where atrocities continue routinely. Much more than money, children need love and comfort in their early life, not what they experience in war.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat, Oman

The greatest tragedy of war and conflict is perhaps the innocent lives it damages. Wherever possibly one should adopt them, or at least educate them and love them as your own so that they may turn into good citizens of tomorrow.

Nazim Hasan Khan, Hyderabad, India

We can't pick and choose – all lives matter

With regard to Kyle Fitzgerald's report Amal Clooney: Ukraine a 'slaughterhouse right in the heart of Europe' (April 28): time and again people like Amal Clooney at forums such as these – in this case, the informal meeting of the UN Security Council – continue to underline the phrase "in the heart of Europe?" Their words can come across as if European lives are more important than those of the people of Afghanistan, Africa, the Middle East and other non-Western nations.

Mokhles Zaman, Sylhet, Bangladesh

The recurring shock and emphasis of a war being in the heart of Europe can be explained by the fact that before this crisis, Europe saw 80 years of peace (with the exception of former Yugoslavia's Civil War). In Africa, many regions remain highly volatile even today, as is the case for many parts of the Middle East.

Phil Kar, Cuxhaven, Germany

The toll of poverty on children

I write to you in reference to Oliver Marsden's report from last year Afghan children cling to lorries to be smuggled into Pakistan (September 15): Poverty plays such a large role. Instead of getting an education, they are obliged to earn for their family. It is heartbreaking to see children go through this.

Ananda Balan, New Jersey, US