One in five children lives in conflict-affected areas around the world in 2017, which is more than at any time over the past 20 years, says new report.
The report “Stop the War on Children: Protecting Children in 21st Century Conflict” reveals that the figure accounts for as many as 420 million populations, up 30 million from 2016.
The research, carried out by the Peace Research Institute Oslo and commissioned by Save the Children, was launched at Munich Security Conference in Germany on Feb 15.
Now in its second year, the report includes the most comprehensive collection of data on the number of children living in conflict-affected areas.
This year’s report finds that Afghanistan, Yemen, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Syria, Iraq, Mali, Nigeria and Somalia are the ten countries where children were hardest hit by conflict in 2017.
One reason for the increased number of children living in conflict-affected areas is that today’s conflicts are more likely to be protracted, urban and fought among civilian populations. Increasingly, international rules and norms are flouted.
“The number of children being killed or maimed has more than tripled, and we are seeing an alarming increase in the use of aid as a weapon of war. It is shocking that in the 21st century we are going backwards on principles and moral standards that are so simple – children and civilians should never be targeted, said Helle Thorning-Schmidt, CEO of Save the Children International.
“Our analysis clearly shows the situation is getting worse for children and the world is allowing this travesty to happen. Every day, children come under attack because armed groups and military forces disregard international laws and treaties. From the use of chemical weapons to rape as a weapon of war, war crimes are being committed with impunity.
“Part of the reason for the increased number of children living in conflict-affected areas is that today’s conflicts are more likely to be protracted, urban and fought among civilian populations. Increasingly, international rules and norms are flouted,” she said.
The report includes a breakdown of UN data on verified grave violations against children. According to these figures, grave violations rose worldwide from just under 10,000 in 2010 to more than 25,000 in 2017—the highest number on record.
Every day children face the threat of being killed or maimed, recruited by armed groups, abducted, falling victim to sexual violence, seeing their school attacked or humanitarian aid denied. In many cases, children are specifically targeted.
The UN’s six grave violations against children include: being killed, maimed, recruited by armed groups or abducted, sexual violence, attacks on schools and denial of humanitarian aid. In many cases, children are specifically targeted.
The report also highlights how efforts to keep schools safe, avoid the use of certain weapons, seek accountability for crimes against children or pursue new ways to support their recovery from the horrors of conflict can make a huge difference in their lives.
It included more than 20 recommendations for governments and other influential organisations to ensure children are protected during war and conflict.
The commitments range from signing a Safe Schools Declaration and a minimum age of 18 for military recruitment to the avoidance of using explosive weapons in populated areas and tightening conditions for arms sales.
The INGO called for an independent body to investigate and analyse all violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights, notably children’s rights.
“When the rules of war are broken, the international community must be clear that this will not be tolerated and hold perpetrators to account. And for the children whose lives are wrecked by conflict, we must do all we can to protect them from further harm and help rebuild their future,” said Thorning-Schmidt.