Children’s Rights Under Threat in Conflict Zones, Says Report
Children’s Rights Under Threat in Conflict Zones, Says Report
In 2024, UNICEF reported that over 473 million children—nearly one in five globally—are living in conflict zones, marking one of the worst years on record for children affected by war. These children face a multitude of grave violations, including recruitment as child soldiers, sexual violence, attacks on schools, and severe deprivation of basic needs like food, water, and healthcare. The conflict in Sudan, for instance, has left 16 million children in need of aid, with 1.3 million at risk of famine and 770,000 expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition .UNICEF USA+3UNICEF+3UN Correspondent+3AP News
The situation is dire in regions such as Gaza and Ukraine, where children have been subjected to violence, displacement, and deprivation. In Gaza, nearly every child is out of school, and many have been killed or wounded due to attacks on educational institutions . In Ukraine, the ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous child casualties, with many children being killed or injured due to the violence .The Guardian
UNICEF emphasizes that a child growing up in a conflict zone is far more likely to be out of school, malnourished, or forced from their home compared to a child living in peaceful areas. The organization calls for decisive action to end and prevent attacks and violence against children trapped in war zones, urging all warring parties to enable safe access to life-saving and protective services and supplies for children .UNICEF+1UNICEF+1UNICEF