The UN's Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) Report is a yearly report by the Secretary General that highlights how children are affected by war around the world.
It tracks the serious violations against children such as killing, maiming, recruitment as child soldiers, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of aid. Its purpose is to raise awareness, hold perpetrators accountable, and help protect children in conflict zones.
The report released today shockingly reveals that 41,370 grave violations were committed against children in 2024. This is at least a 45% rise from 2022 to 2024 and a staggering 25% increase from 2023, which was already a record year.
It is clear we are facing a global crisis in protecting children.
Of these violations, more than 28% were the killing or maiming of children. Close to 18% were children used or recruited by parties to the conflict.
Sexual violence against children saw a significant rise, with attacks increasing by 35% from 2023 to 2024. This grievous issue remains heavily underreported due to stigma, fear of reprisals, and lack of trust in justice systems.
While non-state armed groups were responsible for almost 50% of grave violations, government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access.
War Child understand that the numbers in this report only include incidents the UN was able to fully confirm, the real numbers could be much higher.
“The record number of grave violations in this year’s UN Children and Armed Conflict Report marks a shameful new low in the international community’s failure to protect children from the horrors of war. To normalise this level of violence against children is to accept the dismantling of our collective humanity. The level of alarm is unprecedented. Governments must act immediately to turn the tide of grief, trauma, and loss borne by children.” Helen Pattinson, CEO War Child UK.
This damning report comes against a backdrop of aid budget cuts, including for child protection, and an increasing disregard for rules and protection under international law.
The evidence is undeniable when international protection standards are ignored, children pay the highest price.
We know that children and being killed, injured and maimed at rates unlike anything we’ve witnessed in previous decades, and the report serves as a critical tool for identifying violators and ensuring accountability.
Immediate global action is crucial to reverse this downward spiral and ensure that children in conflict zones are safeguarded. The international community must unify to uphold children's rights and guarantee their protection against the horrors of war.
