Over 473 million children—more than one in six globally—now live in areas affected by conflict, with the world experiencing the highest number of conflicts since World War II, according to UNICEF, an agency of the United Nations providing aid to children worldwide.
Trends in 2024 indicate additional displacement due to the intensification of conflicts, including in Ukraine, Haiti, Lebanon, Myanmar, the State of Palestine, and Sudan.
More children than ever are estimated to be either living in conflict zones or forcibly displaced due to conflict and violence, the agency stated on Saturday and drew the attention to the fact that “a record number of children has being killed and injured or having their rights violated.”
“By almost every measure, 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children in conflict in UNICEF’s history—both in terms of the number of children affected and the level of impact on their lives,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
“A child growing up in a conflict zone is far more likely to be out of school, malnourished, or forced from their home—too often repeatedly—compared to a child living in places of peace. This must not be the new normal.”
Children account for 30 per cent of the global population, yet on average account for roughly 40 per cent of refugee populations and 49 per cent of internally displaced people. According to a review by UNICEF of the latest available global data, the proportion of children living in areas of conflict has doubled – from about 10 percent in the 1990s to almost 19 percent today.
Conflicts are also having devastating effect on children’s access to critical healthcare children are also missing out on vital vaccinations and are being deprived of other healthcare due to wars. UNICEF said around 40% of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children live in countries affected by conflict, making them vulnerable to disease.
“Children in war zones face a daily struggle for survival that deprives them of a childhood,” said Russell. “Their schools are bombed, homes destroyed, and families torn apart. They lose not only their safety and access to basic life-sustaining necessities, but also their chance to play, to learn, and to simply be children.”
UN agency reiterated a call for all parties to conflicts to end the suffering of children and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with international humanitarian obligations.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, has left 14 dead and hundreds injured. With over 116,000 people affected, rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities fear the death toll will continue to rise.
During the winter season, families in Gaza face extreme cold weather, relying on limited resources to stay warm, as their shelters offer little protection against the elements.
UNICEF has raised concerns over the toxic smog hospitalizing children in Lahore, Pakistan, the world’s most polluted city in terms of air quality, according to Swiss group IQAir’s live ratings. Schools and outdoor areas have been closed in the region.
At least 10 people were killed and 30 injured when a truck drove into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter.
Giselle Pélicot, a 72-year-old survivor of a harrowing mass rape, has been named France's Person of the Year in a decision that reflects the nation's admiration for her courage and dignity. Her story moved millions, outshining political leaders in a survey conducted by the Odoxa-Mascaret Institute.
Countries worldwide ushered in 2025 with a blend of vibrant displays and heartfelt traditions, reflecting cultural pride and shared hopes for the future. From eco-friendly fireworks in Thailand to quiet prayers in Kenya, each celebration offered a unique glimpse into the spirit of optimism.
Serbian students marked the arrival of the New Year with 15 minutes of silence to honor the 15 victims of a deadly train station roof collapse in November. Gathered at Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities, thousands of students called for justice and political reform in response to the tragedy.
A massive blackout struck Puerto Rico on New Year's Eve, leaving much of the island without power. While essential services were restored, residents face uncertainty as efforts to bring electricity back to all affected areas continue.
AZAL has released the crew list for flight J2-8243, which crashed in Aktau today.
Farid Huseynov, Head of the AZAL Press Department, has confirmed that a total of 67 people were on board the plane involved in the recent incident, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members.
At least 10 people were killed and 30 injured when a truck drove into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter.
Giselle Pélicot, a 72-year-old survivor of a harrowing mass rape, has been named France's Person of the Year in a decision that reflects the nation's admiration for her courage and dignity. Her story moved millions, outshining political leaders in a survey conducted by the Odoxa-Mascaret Institute.
Countries worldwide ushered in 2025 with a blend of vibrant displays and heartfelt traditions, reflecting cultural pride and shared hopes for the future. From eco-friendly fireworks in Thailand to quiet prayers in Kenya, each celebration offered a unique glimpse into the spirit of optimism.
Serbian students marked the arrival of the New Year with 15 minutes of silence to honor the 15 victims of a deadly train station roof collapse in November. Gathered at Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities, thousands of students called for justice and political reform in response to the tragedy.
A massive blackout struck Puerto Rico on New Year's Eve, leaving much of the island without power. While essential services were restored, residents face uncertainty as efforts to bring electricity back to all affected areas continue.
At least 10 people were killed and 30 injured when a truck drove into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter.
Giselle Pélicot, a 72-year-old survivor of a harrowing mass rape, has been named France's Person of the Year in a decision that reflects the nation's admiration for her courage and dignity. Her story moved millions, outshining political leaders in a survey conducted by the Odoxa-Mascaret Institute.
Countries worldwide ushered in 2025 with a blend of vibrant displays and heartfelt traditions, reflecting cultural pride and shared hopes for the future. From eco-friendly fireworks in Thailand to quiet prayers in Kenya, each celebration offered a unique glimpse into the spirit of optimism.
Serbian students marked the arrival of the New Year with 15 minutes of silence to honor the 15 victims of a deadly train station roof collapse in November. Gathered at Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities, thousands of students called for justice and political reform in response to the tragedy.
A massive blackout struck Puerto Rico on New Year's Eve, leaving much of the island without power. While essential services were restored, residents face uncertainty as efforts to bring electricity back to all affected areas continue.
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