As 2024 comes to a close, the press release from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) sheds light on the dramatic condition facing an increasing number of children worldwide. Despite the protections to be provided to minors in times of peace and war, current conflicts have had a devastating impact on their lives, with bleak prospects for the future.
According to UNICEF data, 473 million children, or 1 in 6 globally, live in conflict-affected areas. This situation results in limited access to education, malnutrition, and lack of healthcare services, alongside violence and rights violations. By the end of December 2024, the data reveals that:
- 47 million minors are displaced due to conflict.
- 52 million cannot access education in conflict zones due to the destruction of schools or their use for military purposes.
- 40% of children who are not fully vaccinated reside in conflict areas, increasing the risk of epidemics like polio, exacerbated by the poor functionality of healthcare systems.
- 32,990 minors have suffered serious violations, including forced recruitment by armed groups.
These figures are compounded by a troubling rise in sexual violence against minors and an increase in extreme malnutrition.
UNICEF calls on warring parties to end violence against children and ensure their protection as stipulated by international norms.
To read more, please visit:
- https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/not-new-normal-2024-one-worst-years-unicefs-history-children-conflict#_ftn1
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/28/2024-among-worst-year-for-children-in-armed-conflict-zones-unicef
- https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-launches-appeal-reach-109-million-children-lifesaving-support-2025