UNICEF reveals one in five children lives in war zones

In 2024, conflicts around the world significantly impacted children's lives, resulting in the highest recorded number of affected children in history. According to a UNICEF report, over 473 million children, which constitutes nearly 19 percent of the global child population, are currently living in conflict zones. This is a stark increase from about 10 percent in the 1990s. The report highlights various crises affecting children, including wars in Gaza and Ukraine, contributing to unprecedented levels of displacement and rights violations. As humanitarian needs surge, the UN has documented an alarming increase in grave violations against children, including killings, acute injuries, and rights abuses. In 2024 alone, a record 32,990 severe violations against children were confirmed, signaling a dire situation. Many children are not only displaced from their homes but also miss out on crucial aspects of childhood such as education and health care. With 30 percent of the global population being children, their plight is particularly concerning in areas plagued by armed conflict. Additionally, the physical and psychological trauma inflicted upon children in conflict zones adds to their struggles. Humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF, are calling on all parties involved in conflicts to prioritize children's rights and uphold international humanitarian laws. Effective advocacy and flexible funding are necessary to ensure fast and adaptable responses to the evolving crises these children face. UNICEF continues to emphasize the importance of addressing these urgent humanitarian needs. Looking forward to 2025, UNICEF and other agencies urge the international community to take decisive action to protect and support children, in order to prevent the current situation from becoming the new normal. The campaign aims to alleviate the sufferings of children in conflict, restore their rights, and maintain their access to essential services.