WASHINGTON: The UN Security Council issued grave warnings this week after its latest report documented shocking levels of violence against children in global war zones, with verified cases reaching record numbers in 2024. The findings reveal a disturbing 25% surge in grave violations from the previous year – the highest since the UN began tracking these atrocities in 2005.
Special Representative Virginia Gamba presented harrowing evidence of children suffering killings, mutilations, sexual violence, and targeted attacks on schools and hospitals across 25 nations embroiled in conflict. The data paints what UN officials called “the worst year on record” for children trapped in war zones.
The Gaza crisis dominated discussions, with Israel responsible for more violations than any single country. The report confirmed over 2,000 Palestinian children killed or maimed by Israeli forces, along with 500+ attacks on schools. UNICEF estimates suggest the actual death toll may surpass 50,000 children since the conflict began.
Algeria’s ambassador blasted the report for “failing to adequately capture Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe,” citing 7,188 documented violations against children and a malnutrition epidemic affecting 5,000 infants. The U.S. delegation countered by condemning Hamas for initiating the conflict and using civilian areas for military operations.
The crisis extends far beyond Gaza. In Congo, children accounted for 40% of 10,000 reported sexual violence cases this year. Haiti faces surging gang violence targeting minors, while explosive weapons remain the leading killer of children worldwide – responsible for most of the 11,900 child casualties documented in 2024.
While the report noted progress in freeing 16,000 child soldiers, officials demanded urgent action to strengthen international protections. “These numbers represent a moral failure of our global community,” Gamba stated, calling for immediate measures to safeguard children in conflict zones.
