Children under attack
Every day, children living in wars across the globe are facing unspeakable horrors. They are not safe sleeping in their homes or playing outside, learning in school or seeking medical care at hospitals. From killing and maiming, abduction and sexual violence, to attacks on education and health facilities, and the denial of the humanitarian assistance that they desperately need, children are being caught in the crosshairs of warring parties at a staggering scale.
Children at the centre of conflict
The United Nations Secretary-General's Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict reveals that violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels in 2024,
The highest numbers of grave violations were 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).
Killing and maiming remained the most prevalent grave violation, affecting 11,967 children. Most casualties resulted from 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 abduction
Thousands of children were recruited and used by armed forces and armed groups, often in combat or support roles. The sharp rise in cases involving recruitment, abduction and other overlapping violations highlights the growing risks faced by children in conflict settings.
Conflict-related sexual violence
The United Nations verified a significant rise in conflict-related sexual violence against children, including a dramatic increase in gang rape. Girls were disproportionately affected, while boys were also subjected to sexual violence.
Humanitarian access denied
Denial of humanitarian access reached alarming levels in 2024. Parties to conflict attacked aid convoys and humanitarian personnel, imposed movement restrictions, interfered with relief operations and created administrative barriers, leaving children without access to healthcare, education, protection and other essential services.
Attacks on schools and hospitals continued
The United Nations verified nearly 2,000 attacks on schools and hospitals in 2024, making these essential civilian facilities increasingly unsafe for children. Attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as their military use, continued to disrupt children's access to education and healthcare. The destruction of civilian infrastructure and attacks on protected facilities further increased children's vulnerability in conflict-affected areas.
Protecting children in armed conflict
Ending and preventing grave violations against children remains central to the United Nations mandate on children and armed conflict. Protecting children requires addressing the root causes of conflict, ensuring accountability for violations and investing in child protection, recovery and reintegration efforts.
One Day, I will
Humanitarian crises caused by conflict, disasters and other emergencies affect millions of people worldwide, including children. This exhibit showcases the hopes and aspirations of young people aged 6 to 18 living in crisis settings. Through costumes and props from their everyday surroundings, they portray who they dream of becoming in the future. Photographer Vincent Tremeau's portraits offer a powerful glimpse into both the challenges these children face today and their resilience and ambitions for tomorrow.
Poems for Peace
Ruweda, Sudan “No to war, and yes to peace. No to death, yes to life”. Watch Ruweda’s inspiring poem from her home in conflict-affected northern Nigeria.
With Poems for Peace, UNICEF is giving children a platform to explain in their own words the impact of conflict and war on their lives – and their hopes and dreams for the future.
In times of conflict, UNICEF stays, delivers and does everything in its power to advocate for the protection, safety and rights of all children.
Six Grave Violations against Children in Armed Conflict
2024: a record number of children impacted by conflict
Dr. Graça Machel reflects on the Children and armed Conflict Agenda 25 years on
"Children are children, first of all. As adults, it is our duty to protect them, and to create a better, more peaceful world where every one of their rights is protected and fulfilled. Anything less is unacceptable."
In July 2022, on the occasion of the launch of UNICEF’s report “25 years of CAAC: Taking Action to Protect Children in War”, Dr. Graça Machel reflected on the progress made by the international community to better understand how wars impact children. She called for action to assist affected children in a manner tailored to their needs, and to hold accountable the warring parties that are violating their rights.
