Boys and girls, target of the attacks
Every day, boys and girls living in conflict zones around the world face unspeakable horrors. They are not safe when they sleep in their homes or play outdoors, study at school, or seek medical attention in hospitals. From killing and maiming, abduction and sexual violence to attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of the humanitarian aid they desperately need, childhood is alarmingly caught between warring parties.
Childhood at the center of the conflict
The Annual Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Children and Armed Conflict reveals that violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with a 25% increase in grave violations compared to the previous year. The United Nations verified 41,370 grave violations against children, affecting 22,495 boys and girls worldwide.
The highest number of grave violations was verified in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (8,554), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (4,043), Somalia (2,568), Nigeria (2,436), and Haiti (2,269).
Killings and maiming remained the most frequent grave violation, affecting 11,967 children. Most victims suffered the consequences of explosive ordnance, including explosive remnants of war, mines, and improvised explosive devices, as well as crossfire and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
Recruitment and kidnapping
Thousands of children were recruited and used by armed forces and groups to participate in combat or perform support tasks. The drastic increase in cases of recruitment, abduction, and other related violations highlights the growing risks faced by children in conflict situations.
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Conflict-related sexual violence
The United Nations noted a significant increase in conflict-related sexual violence against boys and girls, including a drastic rise in gang rapes. Girls have been disproportionately affected, but boys have also been victims of sexual violence. These assaults remain largely unreported due to stigma, fear of reprisals, lack of services, and concerns for the victims’ safety.
Denial of humanitarian access
The denial of humanitarian access reached alarming levels in 2024. Parties to the conflict attacked humanitarian aid convoys and personnel, imposed movement restrictions, interfered with relief operations, and created administrative barriers, leaving children without access to healthcare, education, protection, and other essential services.
Ten-year-old Negma Ndakasi waits to be evacuated at the Walikale Hospital, in the North Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Photo: UN/Sylvain Liechti.
Attacks on schools and hospitals
The United Nations verified nearly 2,000 attacks on schools and hospitals in 2024, making these essential civilian facilities increasingly unsafe places for children. Attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as their use for military purposes, continued to hinder children’s access to education and healthcare. The destruction of civilian infrastructure and attacks on protected facilities further increased the vulnerability of children in conflict-affected areas.
Protection of children in armed conflicts
Ending and preventing grave violations against children remains central to the mandate of the Organization on children and armed conflict. To protect children, it is necessary to address the root causes of conflicts, ensure that perpetrators of violations are held accountable for their actions, and invest in initiatives for the protection, recovery, and reintegration of children.
