“Children bore the brunt of relentless hostilities, disregard for ceasefires, and worsening humanitarian crises,” said Guterres. He also warned of increasingly brutal tactics, including the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and systematic exploitation of children in combat.
Largest share of violations in Gaza and West BankThe report highlighted Gaza and the West Bank as the regions with the highest number of violations. Israeli forces were listed on the UN’s blacklist for the second year in a row, with 7,188 grave violations attributed to its military, including the deaths of 1,259 Palestinian children and injuries to hundreds more.
Though the Gaza Health Ministry reports even higher figures, the UN emphasised that it uses rigorous verification methods and that assessments are ongoing.
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The UN also kept Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad on its list of violators for their roles in child rights abuses during the continuing conflict sparked by the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.
Other global hotspots
- Democratic Republic of Congo: 4,043 violations against 3,418 children
- Somalia: 2,568 violations against 1,992 children
- Nigeria: 2,436 violations against 1,037 children
- Haiti: 2,269 violations against 1,373 children
The Viv Ansanm gang coalition in Haiti was blacklisted for the first time. The group was also designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the U.S. in May. Violations by gangs included mass recruitment, abduction, and widespread sexual violence, with 566 child victims reported — mostly girls.
- Russia and Ukraine: The report expressed deep concern over violations in Ukraine as the war with Russia continues. The UN verified nearly 1,914 violations against 673 children, with Russian forces blamed for killing 94 children, injuring 577, and launching hundreds of attacks on schools and hospitals.
Sexual violence on the riseThe report flagged a 35% increase in sexual violence against children globally in 2024. It stressed that actual figures are likely much higher due to underreporting, especially in conflict-affected areas.
Call for accountability
Guterres urged all parties involved in armed conflict to comply with international law, particularly those laws meant to protect children, schools, and hospitals.
“The violations are not only tragic but entirely preventable,” said the UN chief. “Protecting children must be a universal priority — even in war.”
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