In a sobering update from the United Nations, a recent annual report revealed that violence against children in conflict zones has escalated to “unprecedented levels” in 2024. From Gaza to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the plight of these vulnerable young individuals has reached alarming heights.
- Advertisement -
According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “In 2024, violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels, with a staggering 25 percent surge in the number of grave violations compared to 2023.” The report verified a total of 41,370 grave violations against children this year, showcasing a staggering increase: 36,221 were committed in 2024, while 5,149 were confirmed from previous years. This marks the highest number since the monitoring tool was established nearly 30 years ago.
It’s worth noting that the bleak trajectory that began in 2023—an already record-setting year—showed a significant 21% increase over the previous year. Disturbingly, the number of child victims facing multiple violations has risen to 22,495.
“The cries of 22,495 innocent children who should be learning to read or play ball—but instead have been forced to learn how to survive gunfire and bombings—should keep all of us awake at night,” emphasized Virginia Gamba, the UN’s special representative for children and armed conflict. “This must serve as a wake-up call. We are at the point of no return.”
In this annual report, the UN compiles data on violations of children’s rights in approximately 20 conflict zones globally. Its appendix includes a so-called “list of shame” identifying parties responsible for these violations. This year, it features a powerful coalition of Haitian gangs, noted for crimes such as child killings, recruitment for violence, kidnappings, and sexual violence.
Continuing its acknowledgment from previous years, the Israeli armed forces remain on the list, alongside Palestinian militant group Hamas. Unfortunately, the Palestinian territories top the list for serious violations, with over 8,500 reported incidents, the majority attributed to Israeli forces, including more than 4,800 in Gaza alone.
This grim data includes the confirmed deaths of 1,259 Palestinian children in Gaza, with the UN currently verifying details about another 4,470 children thought to have been killed in 2024. The report also highlights impacts from Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, where over 500 children faced death or injury last year.
Following the Palestinian territories, countries with significant violence against children in 2024 include the Democratic Republic of the Congo (over 4,000 grave violations), Somalia (more than 2,500), Nigeria (nearly 2,500), and Haiti (over 2,200).
The “list of shame” has seen the induction of the Haitian gang coalition “Viv Ansanm,” which has caused a staggering 490 percent rise in violations, including child recruitment and murders. Additionally, the Colombian drug cartel Clan del Golfo has been implicated in child recruitment efforts.
Overall, Colombia has seen a notable increase in forced recruitment of children, with 450 cases documented in 2024 compared to 262 the previous year. The report continues to hold the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces accountable for their roles in over two years of conflict in Sudan. The Russian army remains on the list for its actions in Ukraine, which saw a 105 percent increase in serious violations between 2023 and 2024.
As we reflect on this deeply troubling information, it is clear that immediate action is necessary to safeguard our children and their futures.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
