On the occasion of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, we are confronted with the stark reality that children living in war-torn regions face unimaginable horrors on a daily basis. Whether they are in the safety of their homes, playing outside, attending school, or seeking medical care at hospitals, their lives are constantly at risk. Warring parties subject these innocent children to killing, maiming, abduction, sexual violence, attacks on education and healthcare facilities, and deny them the vital humanitarian assistance they desperately need. The scale of this crisis is staggering.
The latest UNICEF report titled “25 Years of Children and Armed Conflict” provides alarming data that sheds light on the extent of the issue. Since 2005, at least 104,100 children have been killed or maimed, with more than two-thirds of these casualties occurring between 2014 and 2020, resulting in an average of 10,500 child deaths or injuries annually. Shockingly, over 93,000 children have been forcibly recruited by armed actors, with an average of 8,756 child recruits each year between 2016 and 2020 (8,521 in 2020 alone).
Abduction remains a grave concern, with more than 25,700 children having been snatched away from their families. Two-thirds of these abductions occurred between 2014 and 2020, with an average of 2,414 cases per year (3,202 in 2020). Boys make up three-quarters of these abductions, but girls also remain at risk, often falling victim to sexual violence and exploitation.
The report also reveals that over 14,200 children have endured the horrors of rape and other forms of sexual violence. The annual average of 890 child victims reached a devastating high of 1,268 in 2020. However, these figures are likely far lower than the actual scale of the problem, as cases of sexual violence, including those against boys, are significantly underreported. Girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for 97 percent of victims in the last five years.
Furthermore, more than 14,900 incidents of denial of humanitarian access have been verified, depriving children of the life-saving assistance they desperately require. Around 80 percent of these incidents occurred in the past five years, demonstrating an urgent need to document and address these violations. Additionally, over 13,900 attacks on schools and hospitals have been confirmed, with nearly three-fourths of these incidents targeting education facilities, personnel, and students. The annual average of 873 attacks, including 1,032 between 2016 and 2020, underscores the deliberate targeting of vital institutions.
The UNICEF report highlights that wars bring forth a myriad of other hardships, such as hunger, disease, and poverty. Disturbingly, the number of verified violations against children impacted by armed conflict continues to rise each year. Behind each statistic lies a devastating tragedy affecting not only the child but their entire family and community. This is a powerful call to action, urging an immediate halt to all attacks on children.
As we observe this significant day, let us recommit ourselves to protecting the rights of children caught in the crossfire of war. The suffering they endure must not be ignored, and concerted efforts are required to ensure their safety, well-being, and a hopeful future. It is imperative that we work together to end these atrocities and create a world where every child can grow and thrive in peace.
