The phrase 'Where are the children?' is a haunting reminder of the innocent lives that have been lost or taken away from their families. Unfortunately, there are many instances in history and current events where children have been the victims of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.One example is the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families and communities, which occurred in many countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. This practice, known as the 'Stolen Generations,' resulted in the separation of tens of thousands of Indigenous children from their families and culture, and has had a devastating impact on Indigenous communities.Another example is the ongoing issue of human trafficking and modern slavery, where children are often targeted and forced into labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. According to the International Labour Organization, there are an estimated 152 million child laborers worldwide, and around 25% of them are in forced labor.The refugee crisis also puts children at risk, as they are often separated from their families, and are exposed to violence, abuse, and exploitation. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were around 28 million children of concern as of 2019, and many of these children were living in displacement and without adequate protection.In addition to these issues, children also face violence and abuse in their homes and communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1 in 4 children worldwide experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence before the age of 18.In conclusion, the question 'Where are the children?' is a reminder of the many innocent lives that have been lost or taken away from their families due to various issues such as forced removal, human trafficking, refugee crisis, and violence and abuse. These issues highlight the need for greater protection and support for children, and for efforts to be made to address the root causes of these issues. It is important to work towards creating a world where every child can grow up safe, loved, and protected.