UN: Violence against children in conflicts is spreading
Wars and conflicts have brutal effects on children. And violence against girls and boys in affected areas has increased significantly. The United Nations calls it "unprecedented levels."
The United Nations has been deploring a rise in violence against the most vulnerable in war and crisis zones for years. According to the UN Secretary-General's annual report on children and armed conflict, a total of 41,370 acts of violence were documented in 2024. This was about a quarter more than in the previous year. This is the highest number since the report was introduced almost 30 years ago.
The actual number is probably much higher and has reached "unprecedented proportions," according to the paper presented in New York on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres .
With more than 4,500 dead and 7,000 injured, children continue to "bear the brunt of relentless hostilities and indiscriminate attacks," according to the United Nations. The new report must be "a wake-up call," emphasized Virginia Gamba, the UN High Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
Violence by state actors and gangsAccording to the UN, most of the serious incidents were documented as a result of Israel 's military operations in the Palestinian territories . The report also lists seven countries whose government forces are alleged to have committed serious violations against children: the Democratic Republic of Congo , Myanmar , Somalia , South Sudan , Sudan ,Syria , and Russia .
Among those specifically mentioned in the report are the Viv Ansanm group, a coalition of gangs in Haiti that is blamed for the recruitment of children, murders, and gang rapes. The Colombian drug cartel Clan del Golfo is also accused of recruiting children for its criminal activities.
The report attributes the increase to indiscriminate attacks, especially in urban areas. Disregard for peace agreements and the worsening humanitarian crises around the world also played a role.
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