The impact of armed conflicts on children worldwide reached unprecedented and devastating levels in 2024, according to UNICEF. This year, more children faced violations of their rights, displacement, malnutrition, and educational disruptions than ever before. From Gaza to Sudan, conflict zones have become the harsh reality for millions of young lives.
Armed conflicts surged across the globe, making 2024 the worst year for children living in war-torn areas since World War II, according to a study. UNICEF said nearly 473 million children—19% of the world’s total—now live in conflict zones. Additionally, 47.2 million have been displaced by violence.
In Gaza and Ukraine, the toll has been staggering. Thousands of children have been killed or injured in Gaza alone. Ukraine saw more verified child casualties in the first nine months of 2024 than in all of 2023.
RISING SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION
Reports of sexual violence against women and girls have escalated, with children being particularly vulnerable. Haiti recorded a shocking 1,000% increase in sexual violence cases involving children this year. Children with disabilities also face disproportionate violence and discrimination in conflict zones.
EDUCATION IN CRISIS
Education has been another major casualty of conflict. Over 52 million children are currently out of school due to war and instability. In Gaza and Sudan, children have missed more than a year of schooling. Educational infrastructure in Ukraine, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been destroyed or repurposed, deepening the crisis.
The destruction of schools and continued insecurity around educational facilities leaves millions without learning opportunities, jeopardizing their futures.
HUNGER AND MALNUTRITION ON THE RISE
Conflict remains the primary driver of hunger and malnutrition among children. Disrupted food supplies, population displacement, and limited humanitarian access have pushed child hunger to extreme levels.
Sudan’s North Darfur declared famine in 2024, the first since 2017. Across five conflict-ridden countries, over half a million people are experiencing the worst levels of food insecurity.
HEALTHCARE UNDER THREAT
Healthcare for children in war zones has deteriorated significantly. Around 40% of under-vaccinated or unvaccinated children live in conflict-affected areas. This situation increases their risk of contracting diseases like measles and polio.
These children are often the most vulnerable, as conflicts disrupt healthcare services, nutrition, and basic hygiene. Access to life-saving vaccines and treatments remains limited in many regions.
MENTAL HEALTH TOLL
Exposure to violence, destruction, and loss profoundly affects children’s mental health. Many experience depression, anxiety, nightmares, and behavioral changes. The trauma of war can lead to lasting psychological scars, further damaging future generations.
“THIS CANNOT BE THE NEW NORMAL”
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the dire situation:
“By almost every measure, 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children in conflict in UNICEF’s history. A kid growing up in a war zone is far more likely to be out of school. Such a kid may also be malnourished or displaced. This displacement can happen often and multiple times compared to kids in peaceful regions. We must not let a generation of children become collateral damage to the world’s unchecked wars.”
CALL TO ACTION: PROTECTION FROM CONFLICT
The staggering impact of conflict on children must not be ignored. UNICEF urges governments, humanitarian organizations, and the global community to focus on their rights. They should ensure access to education, healthcare, and nutrition. Additionally, they need to work toward peaceful resolutions in conflict zones.
The fate of millions of kids hangs in the balance. The world must act swiftly. It needs to protect the youngest victims of war. This will give them a chance at a better future.
