Global Report Reveals Alarming 13% Increase in Grave Violations Against Children in Conflict Zones in 2022
Global Report Reveals Alarming 13% Increase in Grave Violations Against Children in Conflict Zones in 2022
By Matthew Eloyi
In a disturbing revelation, a new analysis by Save the Children has shown that the number of grave violations against children during times of war surged by 13% in 2022, reaching the highest level since reporting began in 2005.
The comprehensive report titled “Stop the War on Children: Let Children Live in Peace” underscores the urgent need for action, as experts predict a further rise in abuse cases in 2023.
According to the report, a staggering 27,638 grave violations were committed against children in conflict zones in 2022. The most prevalent offences included the killing and maiming of children, with 8,647 reported and verified cases. Disturbingly, cases of recruitment and use of children in conflict rose by 20% to 7,610.
These grave violations, according to Save the Children, encompass a range of atrocities, from killing, maiming, abduction, and sexual violence to the recruitment of children into armed groups, as well as strikes on schools and hospitals. It is important to note that these reported cases likely represent only a fraction of the actual occurrences, with many instances going unreported or still under verification.
To provide a clearer picture of the prevalence of these violations, Save the Children has launched a new website, offering publicly accessible combined data on these trends for the first time, detailing the location, type, and date of the offences.
Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, expressed deep concern over the devastating trends, noting that the number of violations against children is expected to rise even further in 2023. Ashing highlighted the conflict in Sudan as the world’s worst displacement crisis for children and the ongoing bombardment of Gaza as contributing factors to the grim outlook.
Ashing stated, “It’s a terrible time to be a child in war. The global norms that were set up to protect children from the worst that could be committed against them are crumbling. The trends are all in the wrong direction – violations against children increasing year after year.”
Children consulted for the report, emphasized the need for decision-makers to ensure the protection of all children in conflict zones. They called for protection from bombs, missiles, landmines, and violence and abuse. The report quoted the Palestinian children’s council in Gaza, stating, “When a rocket falls from the sky, it does not differentiate between a stone and a tree, and between a child and a young person.”
Gudrun Østby, a Research Professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo, underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “The numbers of grave violations are extremely alarming. Especially since these verified cases likely represent only the tip of the iceberg.” Østby called on the international community to use its power to pressure warring parties to abide by international law and protect children.
