‘Darkest chapter’: Record child violations in 2025, with national forces leading the way

‘Darkest chapter’: Record child violations in 2025, with national forces leading the way

Report Overview

Darkest chapter - The United Nations released its annual report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), revealing a troubling trend in 2025: for the first time, government forces were responsible for the majority of grave violations against children in conflict zones, surpassing non-State armed groups. This year marked a grim milestone, as the total number of child victims reached an unprecedented high, underscoring the worsening plight of children in war-torn regions.

Key Statistics

The report confirmed 38,558 severe atrocities committed in 2025, impacting 24,174 children. Many of these young victims endured multiple forms of harm, ranging from physical injuries to psychological trauma. Notably, a third of the affected children were girls, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerability of female children to violence and exploitation.

Among the six documented violations—killing and maiming, recruitment and use, abduction, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access—military actions remained the most frequent. The report also emphasized the alarming rise in certain categories, with 6,266 children killed and 7,958 injured, reflecting a significant surge in casualties.

Context of the Crisis

This critical shift in responsibility occurred amid intensifying hostilities, particularly in areas where explosive weapons were increasingly deployed. The report attributed the trend to the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in targeting systems, which may have led to more precise but indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations. Such advancements, while efficient, have heightened the risk for children, who are often the most vulnerable in these conflicts.

Vanessa Frazier, the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, described 2025 as “one of the darkest chapters for child protection since monitoring began.” She pointed to the erosion of international legal standards, stating that when states, bound by the duty to safeguard children, instead perpetuate harm, it signals a deepening disregard for global norms.

“2025 was without a doubt one of the darkest chapters for child protection since monitoring began,” said Vanessa Frazier, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. “When States, on whom the obligation to protect children falls, instead contribute to their suffering, it signals the deeper erosion of respect for international law.”

High-Impact Regions

The report identified several regions where the most severe violations occurred, including the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Somalia. These areas saw a surge in incidents such as targeted attacks on educational institutions and medical facilities, as well as systematic detention of children associated with warring factions.

Where possible, the report assigned violations to specific warring parties, as detailed in its annexes. This approach allows for clearer accountability and highlights the role of each entity in the ongoing crisis. The data underscores the complex interplay of factors contributing to the harm inflicted on children, from direct violence to indirect consequences like disrupted access to basic services.

Violations in Detail

Killing and maiming remained the most verified form of child harm, with 6,266 children killed and 7,958 injured. The report noted a 34% increase in deaths and a 10% rise in injuries compared to previous years, citing the use of advanced weaponry and poor civilian protection measures. In many cases, military operations failed to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, exposing children to foreseeable danger.

Denial of humanitarian access followed closely, affecting 8,322 children. Meanwhile, 6,607 were recruited into hostilities, while 5,129 were abducted—often as a prelude to forced recruitment or sexual violence. Sexual violence, including gang rape, persisted as a weapon of war, with verified cases continuing to mount. These tactics not only target children physically but also exploit their psychological resilience, leaving lasting scars on survivors.

Long-Term Consequences

Children remain at risk from landmines and unexploded ordnance, even after hostilities cease. The report highlighted that these remnants of war continue to cause injuries and fatalities, with survivors facing lifelong challenges such as disabilities, trauma, and barriers to education and social reintegration. The enduring threat underscores the need for sustained efforts to clear battlefields and protect communities long after conflicts end.

Detention of children for their association with warring parties also increased, with 1,667 children held in custody last year. Frazier stressed that these children should be viewed as victims rather than combatants, advocating for detention to be used only as a last resort. She emphasized the importance of reintegration programs in restoring their futures and fostering long-term peace.

Progress Amid Challenges

Despite the alarming situation, the CAAC report noted important advancements in certain areas. For instance, 13,112 children formerly linked to armed forces or groups received protection or reintegration assistance. Additionally, 40 commitments were made by conflict parties, including protocols for the release of children, capacity-building initiatives, and bilateral dialogues in regions like Somalia, Ukraine, and Colombia.

Frazier highlighted the significance of these efforts during the CAAC mandate’s 30th anniversary. “Words are not enough; durable and resolute actions are needed,” she asserted. “Protecting children is not an aspiration—it is an obligation.” Her remarks call for greater political and financial support to ensure the survival and recovery of children affected by conflict, especially those with disabilities who require tailored assistance.

Call to Action

The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation. Frazier urged all parties to facilitate unhindered humanitarian aid, ensuring that children receive the care and resources they desperately need. With the CAAC mandate now in its 30th year, the findings challenge the global community to address the root causes of child vulnerability and prioritize their protection in military operations.

As the conflict landscape evolves, the role of AI in targeting and the increasing scale of violence demand a reevaluation of current strategies. The UN continues to monitor and report on these trends, but the success of child protection efforts hinges on the willingness of states and armed groups to uphold their commitments and take decisive action to reduce harm. The path to safeguarding children in war remains a critical test of humanity’s resolve.