The United Nations, in its annual report on children and armed conflict, revealed that 2025 saw the documentation of 38,558 grave violations against children, affecting 24,174 children, some of whom suffered more than one violation. Girls constituted approximately one-third of the victims.
The report explained that 2025 recorded the highest number of violations since the establishment of the UN mechanism for monitoring the situation of children in armed conflict 30 years ago. It noted that, for the first time, government forces were the primary perpetrators of these violations, surpassing non-state armed groups.
According to the report, 6,266 children were killed last year, while 7,958 children suffered permanent injuries and disabilities. Killings increased by 34% and injuries by 10% compared to the previous year.
The UN also documented 8,322 incidents of obstructing humanitarian access to children and those in need in conflict zones, along with 6,607 cases of child recruitment and use in hostilities.
The report noted 5,129 cases of child abduction, often for recruitment or exploitation in armed conflicts or for sexual violence, while sexual violations against children continued, including an increase in conflict-related gang rapes.
The report stated that the highest rates of violations were recorded in the Palestinian territories and Israel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Somalia.
The report also indicated that 1,667 children were detained in 2025 due to their actual or alleged association with parties to the conflict, while 13,112 children previously associated with armed forces or groups received protection and reintegration support.
The United Nations emphasized that these figures reflect a serious deterioration in the situation of children in areas of armed conflict, calling for strengthened protection measures, guaranteed humanitarian access, and the launch of rehabilitation and reintegration programs for affected children.
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ANHA
