A UN report says thousands of children endure “horrific conditions” in conflict zones, highlighting 24,000 verified grave violations against children around the world in 2021.

The UN annual report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) released on Monday details the devastating impact that various forms of conflict had on children around the world.

“The report highlights almost 24,000 verified grave violations against children, an average of some 65 violations every day.

“The killing and maiming of children was the most verified grave violation followed by the recruitment and use of children and the denial of humanitarian access,” it stated.

The dangers outlined in the report range from conflict escalation, military coups and takeovers, protracted and new conflicts, and violations of international law.

Cross-border conflict and intercommunal violence also impacted the protection of children, especially in the Lake Chad Basin and Central Sahel regions.

The places where most children were affected by grave violations in 2021 were Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.

“This report is a call to action to intensify our work to better protect children in armed conflict and ensure that they are given a real chance to recover and thrive.”

Ms Gamba explained that two forms of violation showed a sharp increase in 2021: abduction, and sexual violence, including rape, which rose by 20 per cent.

Attacks on schools and hospitals also showed an increase, which were compounded by the pandemic.

More than 2,800 children were detained for their actual or alleged association with parties to conflict, making them particularly vulnerable to torture, sexual violence, and other abuses.

Ethiopia, Mozambique and Ukraine, have been added to the Secretary-General Annual Report as situations of concern, reflecting the dramatic impact of hostilities on children in these areas.

Overall, 12,214 children were released from armed forces and groups in countries including the Central African Republic, Colombia, DRC, Myanmar, and Syria.

(NAN)