A recent report by the United Nations indicates that government forces have been identified as the primary perpetrators of grave violations against children in conflict zones, marking a significant shift in accountability. In 2024, nearly 25,000 children were subjected to violence including killings, sexual abuse, and conscription into armed conflict, contributing to an overall increase in reported abuses.

The annual report, released by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, reveals that the total number of verified violations reached a record 38,558, escalating for the fourth consecutive year. This alarming statistic underscores the growing trend of government forces participating in actions previously attributed mostly to armed groups.

As per the UN’s assessment, the violations encompassed not only direct harm to children but also broader issues such as abductions, attacks on educational institutions and medical facilities, and restrictions on humanitarian aid access. The report includes a comprehensive blacklist featuring violators from eight nations and 67 armed groups across 16 territories.

Notable Statistics from the Report

The report specifies that 24,174 children were impacted by conflicts, including a substantial number of girls. It notes that many children faced multiple forms of abuse. The most prevalent violations were found in areas heavily affected by ongoing violence, with the Israeli military reportedly having the highest number of recorded violations at 12,445, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 4,114, and then Myanmar, Somalia, and armed factions in Nigeria, each displaying over 2,000 violations.

Government forces were responsible for 6,266 child killings, representing a 34 per cent increase from the previous year, as well as 7,958 injuries. The UN verified that 2,668 Palestinian children were reportedly killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, along with 55 more in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. However, additional reports of casualties are still under verification.

During a press conference, UN special representative for children in armed conflict Vanessa Frazier stressed the need for urgent global action, urging member states to view the protection of children as an obligation rather than a mere aspiration. Her statements reflect a growing concern over the need for accountability in how children are affected in combat zones.

Changes in Conflict Dynamics and Their Impact on Children

The report points to various factors contributing to the increase in violations by government forces. Frazier mentioned a noticeable shift in warfare strategies, including the use of drones and large explosives in densely populated areas, which exacerbates the risks for children. Children often find themselves caught in crossfire while attempting to access necessary resources such as food, water, or medical assistance.

Additionally, the UN verified instances of the recruitment and utilisation of 6,607 children in conflicts, primarily in regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Haiti, Somalia, and Colombia. The organisation also documented the abduction of 5,129 children, with incidents chiefly reported in Nigeria, Congo, Somalia, Myanmar, and Mozambique.

Furthermore, the report cites 1,783 cases of rape and sexual violence against children, predominantly occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, and Haiti. This year’s findings paint a stark picture of the escalating dangers children face in war-torn regions, with government forces emerging as the leading contributors to these heinous acts for the first time.

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