Surge in violations to more than 40,000 – the highest since records began in 1996 – must serve as a ‘wake-up call’
A record number of children were subjected to acts of violence in conflict zones in 2024, with the number of incidents recorded rising by 25%, according to a UN report.
The UN security council’s annual report on children and armed conflict found 22,495 children in 2024 were killed, wounded, denied humanitarian support or recruited for conflict.
It highlighted a 44% rise in attacks on schools and 35% rise in sexual violence against children.
“This must serve as a wake-up call. We are at the point of no return,” said Virginia Gamba, the special representative of the UN secretary general for children and armed conflict. “Children living amid hostilities are being stripped of their childhood. Instead of recognising the special protection afforded to children, governments and armed groups around the world blatantly ignore international law that defines a child as anyone under 18.”
