This number represents an increase of 25% compared to 2023, marking the third consecutive year that violations increased. 22,495 violations were committed against the children themselves while the remaining targeted infrastructure such as schools and humanitarian aid intended and used by children.
“The Cries of 22.495 Innocent Children who Should be Learning to Read or Play Ball-But Instead Have Forced to Learn How To Survive Gunfire and Bombings-Should Keep All Of Us Awake At Night,” Said the Special Representative of the a secretary-general for Children and armed conflictVirginia Gamba.
The report only details violations which could be verified independently by the United Nations, which means that the actual number of serious violations and affected children are probably much higher.
“Children should not be a victim of war”
The report awarded the increase in blind attacks – in particular urban war – in addition to not taking into account the peace agreements and deepening humanitarian crises in the world.
“Children living in the midst of hostilities are being stripped of their childhood … When we allow this to happen, we are not only protecting children – we remove their chance of growing up in complete safety, going to school and living a life with dignity and hope,” said Gamba.
In addition to the larger increase, the number of children subjected to several serious violations increased by 17%.
The greatest number of violations, 8,554, occurred in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territories – more than double the number of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which followed.
Governments “obviously” ignore international law
The report noted that if the non -state actors played a role of dimension in violations against individual children, the actors of the government were the main forces responsible for killing and the mutilation of children, to attack schools and hospitals and to refuse humanitarian access.
“Instead of recognizing the special protection granted to children, governments and armed groups around the world clearly ignore international law that defines a child as anyone under the age of 18,” said Gamba.
The report has listed eight countries whose government forces have violated international law and committed serious violations against children – DRC, Israel, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Russia.
‘An alarm clock’
In 2024, 16,482 children formerly associated with armed forces or groups received protection or support for reintegration, but the number of violations against children is still incredibly high.
The Secretary -General has called on all Member States to comply with their obligations under international law by confirming the rights and special protections of children while expanding services to treat children victims of conflicts.
Ms. Gamba reiterated this appeal, saying that the increase in serious violations should be a “awakening” and remind the international community that indifference to such violations will not bring peace.
“We are confronted with a choice that defines that we are: worrying or diverting ourselves … We all share the duty to act – with urgency, with determination – to put an end to this suffering. Not tomorrow. Not a day. Today, “she concluded.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
