Armed conflicts continue to take a heavy toll on children around the world. According to the latest report from the Secretary-General of the United Nations on children and armed conflict, 38,558 serious violations were recorded in 2025.
This is the fourth consecutive year marked by particularly worrying levels of violence. The document reveals that 24,174 children were direct victims of these violations, while 3,176 others suffered several attacks simultaneously.
Among the most frequently observed violations are the killings and mutilations of children. The UN verified 6,266 cases of death and 7,958 cases of mutilation over the past year.
The report highlights a particularly worrying increase in the number of children killed, up 34% compared to 2024. Abductions also remain a major concern. In total, 5,129 children were kidnapped, often with the aim of being recruited or used by armed groups.
In addition, 1,667 children were detained due to real or supposed links with parties involved in the conflicts. The report also identifies cases of sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as restrictions preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Nearly a third of the victims recorded were girls. The UN deplores that thousands of children are deprived of their fundamental rights, safety and dignity in conflict zones.
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The impact of explosive weapons and artificial intelligence
According to the report, this worsening of the situation is explained in particular by the increasing use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas. The document also highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence in military targeting processes, a factor contributing to increased risks for civilian populations, particularly children.
Citing the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier, the report describes the year 2025 as one of the darkest since the establishment of the monitoring mechanism for violations committed against children.
The UN official insisted that children affected by conflicts must above all be considered as victims. She also underlined the importance of their reintegration, believing that this constitutes an essential step in rebuilding their future and that of society.
Vanessa Frazier finally called on the international community to increase its political and financial support for reintegration programs intended for children released from armed forces and groups, in order to offer them better future prospects.
