UN report on Children and Armed Conflict, an annual report, reveals a shocking rise in violations against children caught in armed conflicts in 2023.
Violence against children caught in armed conflict reached “extreme levels” last year, with a “shocking” 21 per cent increase in extreme violations, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a report published on Thursday.
Extreme Violations: Violence against children reached “extreme levels” last year, with a 21% increase in extreme violations. These violations include killing, maiming, recruitment, and abduction.
UN reports ‘shocking’ rise in violations against children in conflict in 2023 | UN News
The UN report on children in conflict zones highlights the dire situation faced by children in Sudan, Congo, and Haiti.
Sudan has the highest number of children affected by conflict, with an estimated 17 million children in need of humanitarian assistance.
Sudan is a country in Africa that has been experiencing conflict for many years. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of millions of people, including children. Children in Sudan who live in conflict zones are at risk of violence, forced recruitment into armed groups, and other forms of harm. They may also be denied access to education, healthcare, and other basic necessities.
Organizations such as UNICEF and Save the Children are working to provide support to children in Sudan and help them overcome the challenges they face.
In Congo, over 10 million children are displaced due to conflict in 2023.The Congo conflict, also known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict, has been ongoing since 1993 and has resulted in the deaths of millions of people, including children.
The conflict has displaced millions of people and created widespread human rights abuses. Children in particular have been affected, with many being forced to flee their homes, become child soldiers, or suffer from malnutrition and disease. Despite international efforts, the conflict continues to be a major concern for humanitarian organizations and the international community.
Haiti has seen a significant increase in violence and displacement, with 2.5 million children in need of assistance.
The conflict in Haiti has had a significant impact on the lives of children in the country. Children in Haiti are at increased risk for seeking refugee and migratory status, engaging in violent extremism and become victims of exploitation, like forced labor, and human trafficking. However, many organizations are working to help children in Haiti and to provide them with education, health care, and protection. These efforts are crucial in ensuring the well-being of children in conflict-ridden areas like Haiti.
Affected Countries: The most affected countries include:
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- Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories: Unprecedented numbers of children were killed and maimed.
- Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Ukraine: These countries also witnessed alarming increases in grave violations.
- Sudan: The war there led to a staggering 480% increase in grave violations.
- Non-State Armed Groups: While more than half of the violations were committed by non-State armed groups, government forces were also responsible for significant violations.
- Denial of Humanitarian Access: Government forces were responsible for attacks on schools and hospitals and the denial of humanitarian access.
- Annual Blacklist: The report includes an annex of parties committing grave violations. For the first time:
- Israeli armed and security forces were included for killing and injuring children and attacking schools and hospitals.
- Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad were added to the list for similar violations.
Despite these challenges, efforts continue to protect and reintegrate children associated with armed forces or groups. However, the situation remains critical, and urgent action is needed to safeguard children in conflict zones.
With so many children being forced to leave their homes and communities, the displacement of children in India as a result of armed conflict is a serious worry.
Long-term consequences for a child’s wellbeing, health, and education may result from this relocation. The Indian government has taken a number of steps to assist these kids, such as integrating kid-friendly services in areas devastated by war. The goal of UNICEF and other organizations is to help and support these children.
The report calls for immediate action to protect children and provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives.
