Key facts
- A UN report documented a record 38,558 violations against children in conflict last year.
- Over 24,000 children were affected by these violations.
- Government forces were identified as the primary perpetrators for the first time.
- Israeli forces topped the list of government force violators.
- The report highlights a shift in perpetrators, with government forces now leading.
- The findings indicate a concerning trend in child protection in conflict zones.
The United Nations has released a report detailing a record number of violations against children in conflict zones over the past year. The report documented a total of 38,558 violations, affecting over 24,000 children. Significantly, for the first time in the report's history, government forces have been identified as the primary perpetrators of these violations. Among these government forces, Israeli forces were specifically named as the top violators. This marks a notable shift from previous years where non-state armed groups were often cited as the main perpetrators. The findings underscore a deteriorating situation for children in areas affected by armed conflict and highlight the need for increased accountability for state actors involved in such violations. The report's data points to a critical need for renewed international focus on protecting child rights in conflict settings and ensuring that all parties to a conflict, including state forces, adhere to international humanitarian law.