Geneva: The United Nations has raised alarm over what it describes as “unprecedented levels” of violence against children in armed conflict during 2024, marking the highest figures ever recorded since the UN began monitoring three decades ago.
According to the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, the number of grave violations against children surged by 25 percent compared to 2023. The report documented a total of 41,370 serious infractions, with 36,221 committed in 2024 alone and 5,149 violations from earlier years confirmed during the reporting period.
This figure surpasses the previously record-breaking year of 2023, which itself had shown a 21% increase over 2022.
The report paints a grim picture of children caught in war zones, stating they continue to bear “the brunt of relentless hostilities and indiscriminate attacks.” Over 4,500 children were killed and more than 7,000 injured during 2024, with 22,495 children being victims of repeated violations such as recruitment, abduction, and sexual violence.
Data for the report was collected from around 20 conflict-affected regions globally, where children under the age of 18 face the most severe forms of abuse and neglect during armed conflict.
The Palestinian territories—particularly Gaza—topped the list for the highest number of grave violations. The UN attributed more than 8,500 serious breaches to Israeli forces, with over 4,800 violations recorded in Gaza alone. Among these were 1,259 confirmed child fatalities in Gaza, with an additional 4,470 child deaths still under verification.
The report also highlighted Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, where over 500 children were either killed or injured during cross-border operations in 2024.
These findings add urgency to calls from humanitarian organizations and UN officials for greater accountability and stronger protections for children in conflict zones. The Secretary-General has urged all involved parties to respect international humanitarian law and to prioritize the safety of children in armed conflicts.
As conflict continues to escalate in several parts of the world, the UN’s report serves as a stark reminder of the disproportionate toll that modern warfare takes on the youngest and most vulnerable.
