Share this @internewscast.com

This article contains references to abuses against children.
Last year, violence against children caught up in wars and conflicts reached “unprecedented levels,” as per a new United Nations report.
The Children and Armed Conflict report indicates a 25 percent increase with 41,370 grave violations incidents in 2024 — marking the highest number reported since the onset of the Children and Armed Conflict mandate almost 30 years ago.

“Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, notably the Gaza Strip, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Nigeria, and Haiti” recorded the highest numbers.

This ‘should keep all of us awake at night’

The UN has identified six grave violations against children in conflict, which it monitors and reports on: killing and maiming, recruitment or use of children as soldiers, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools or hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.

Most of these violations rose in 2024, including attacks on schools (44 per cent), and rape and other forms of sexual violence (34 per cent).

In total, 22,495 children were affected by recruitment and use, killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, and abduction.
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, said this “should keep all of us awake at night”.

“This must serve as a wake-up call. We are at the point of no return.”

4,676 children died in armed conflicts

According to the report, 4,676 children lost their lives in armed conflicts in 2024, equivalent to one child being killed every two hours.
It also shows that 7,291 children were maimed, 7,402 were recruited and used in armed conflicts, 4,573 were abducted, and 1,982 were victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence.

Additionally, there were 2,374 attacks on schools and hospitals, primarily in “Ukraine, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Myanmar”.

What are the reasons?

According to the report, in 2024, warfare strategies “included targeted attacks on children, the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and the systematic exploitation of children in hostilities and for military and sexual purposes”.
“Heavy bombardments, missile strikes, and the relentless use of explosive weapons in urban areas have turned homes and neighbourhoods into battlefields,” Gamba said.

She said that the “widespread deployment of landmines” had “dire consequences” for children.

“These weapons alone account for one-quarter of all those killed or injured in hostilities,” she said.
The report has suggested several measures to prevent grave violations against children, which include respecting international law, protecting hospitals, and refraining from using explosive weapons in populated areas.

“As the best way to protect children from hostilities is to eliminate the push and pull factors leading to their involvement in armed conflict,” it stated

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Mark Speakman resigns

NSW Political Shake-Up: Opposition Leader Mark Speakman Resigns Amidst Internal Discontent

In a dramatic turn of events, Mark Speakman, the NSW Opposition Leader,…

Meta Acknowledges Potential Errors in Accelerated Implementation of Teen Social Media Restrictions

Australian teenagers have been given a two-week countdown to download or delete…
The car slammed through the Adelaide laundromat.

Miraculous Escape: Child and Cleaner Survive Unscathed as Car Crashes into Laundromat

Authorities are delving into a hit-and-run incident at a laundromat in Adelaide,…
Alan Jones leaves Downing Centre Local Court on December 18, 2024. Photo: Rhett Wyman / SMH

Seized Electronics Play Key Role in Alan Jones Abuse Investigation

Legal representatives for the contentious radio personality Alan Jones have hinted at…

2026 FIFA World Cup: Discover the Teams Securing Their Spot and the Emotional Journey Behind the Qualifiers

A bicycle-kick goal, last-minute thrillers, historical breakthroughs, smiles and tears — the…

Tragic Toll: Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Result in 25 Palestinian Casualties, Report Medics

At least 25 Palestinians were killed in four Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday…
Major discovery proves gigantic sharks roamed Australia's coastlines

Significant Discovery Confirms Presence of Giant Sharks Along Australia’s Coastlines

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists in northwestern Australia have unearthed evidence that…

Trump Greenlights Epstein File Release After Intense Public Pressure: A Major Policy Reversal

US President Donald Trump has signed legislation ordering the justice department to…

Category Two Cyclone Fina Approaches Northern Territory with Powerful Force

Tropical Cyclone Fina is expected to change direction southward on Thursday, heading…
This photo provided by Gianluca Masi shows the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas as it streaks through space, 190 million miles from Earth, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. The image was taken from Manciano, Italy. (Gianluca Masi via AP)

Stunning Close-Up Images Capture Rare Interstellar Comet as It Soars Past Mars

NASA has released detailed images of an interstellar comet making a brief…

Australia’s Dwindling Job Market: Discover Which Roles Are Disappearing Fast

The odds of job seekers finding entry-level work are so low that…

Advocates Urge Enhanced Superannuation Safeguards Amid Potential $205,000 Loss for Some Retirees

Poorly performing retiree superannuation products could reduce income by $57,000 to $205,000…