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‘We are at a point of no return’: grave violations against children surge for third year
This number represents a 25 per cent increase from 2023, marking the third consecutive year that violations have increased. 22,495 violations were committed against children themselves while the remaining targeted infrastructure such as schools and humanitarian aid intended for and used by children.
“The cries of 22,495 innocent children who should be learning to read or play ball — but instead have been forced to learn how to survive gunfire and bombings — should keep all of us awake at night,” said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba.
The report only details violations which could be independently verified by the United Nations, meaning the actual number of grave violations and children affected are likely much higher.
‘Children should not be a casualty of war’
The report attributed the increase to indiscriminate attacks — especially urban warfare — in addition to disregard for peace agreements and deepening humanitarian crises worldwide.
“Children living amidst hostilities are being stripped of their childhood … When we allow this to happen, we are not just failing to protect children – we are taking away their chance to grow up safe, to go to school, and to live a life with dignity and hope,” Ms. Gamba said.
In addition to the broader increase, the number of children subjected to multiple grave violations increased by 17 per cent.
The highest number of violations, 8,554, occurred in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than double the number in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which followed.
Governments ‘blatantly’ ignore international law
The report noted that while non-State actors played an out-sized role in violations against individual children, government actors were the main forces responsible for killing and maiming children, attacking schools and hospitals, and denying humanitarian access.
“Instead of recognizing the special protection afforded to children, governments and armed groups around the world blatantly ignore international law that defines a child as anyone under 18,” Ms. Gamba said.
The report listed eight countries whose government forces violated international law and committed grave violations against children — the DRC, Israel, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Russia.
‘A wake-up call’
In 2024, 16,482 children formerly associated with armed forces or groups received protection or reintegration support, but numbers of violations against children still remain staggeringly high.
The Secretary-General called on all Member States to adhere to their obligations under international law by upholding the rights and special protections of children while also expanding services to treat children who are victims of conflict.
Ms. Gamba reiterated this call, saying that the increase in grave violations should be a “wake-up call” and reminding the international community that indifference to such violations will not bring peace.
“We face a choice that defines who we are: to care, or to turn away … We all share the duty to act—with urgency, with determination—to bring this suffering to an end. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Today,” she concluded.
Remarks by Paschal Donohoe following the Eurogroup meeting of 19 June 2025
Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe after the Eurogroup meeting on Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area, reinforcing security in Europe, removing barriers in the single market, the digital euro and the Eurogroup presidency. Source link
“ We are at a point of no return ”: serious violations against children who are increasing for the third year
This number represents an increase of 25% compared to 2023, marking the third consecutive year that violations increased. 22,495 violations were committed against the children themselves while the remaining targeted infrastructure such as schools and humanitarian aid intended and used by children.
“The Cries of 22.495 Innocent Children who Should be Learning to Read or Play Ball-But Instead Have Forced to Learn How To Survive Gunfire and Bombings-Should Keep All Of Us Awake At Night,” Said the Special Representative of the a secretary-general for Children and armed conflictVirginia Gamba.
The report only details violations which could be verified independently by the United Nations, which means that the actual number of serious violations and affected children are probably much higher.
“Children should not be a victim of war”
The report awarded the increase in blind attacks – in particular urban war – in addition to not taking into account the peace agreements and deepening humanitarian crises in the world.
“Children living in the midst of hostilities are being stripped of their childhood … When we allow this to happen, we are not only protecting children – we remove their chance of growing up in complete safety, going to school and living a life with dignity and hope,” said Gamba.
In addition to the larger increase, the number of children subjected to several serious violations increased by 17%.
The greatest number of violations, 8,554, occurred in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territories – more than double the number of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which followed.
Governments “obviously” ignore international law
The report noted that if the non -state actors played a role of dimension in violations against individual children, the actors of the government were the main forces responsible for killing and the mutilation of children, to attack schools and hospitals and to refuse humanitarian access.
“Instead of recognizing the special protection granted to children, governments and armed groups around the world clearly ignore international law that defines a child as anyone under the age of 18,” said Gamba.
The report has listed eight countries whose government forces have violated international law and committed serious violations against children – DRC, Israel, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Russia.
‘An alarm clock’
In 2024, 16,482 children formerly associated with armed forces or groups received protection or support for reintegration, but the number of violations against children is still incredibly high.
The Secretary -General has called on all Member States to comply with their obligations under international law by confirming the rights and special protections of children while expanding services to treat children victims of conflicts.
Ms. Gamba reiterated this appeal, saying that the increase in serious violations should be a “awakening” and remind the international community that indifference to such violations will not bring peace.
“We are confronted with a choice that defines that we are: worrying or diverting ourselves … We all share the duty to act – with urgency, with determination – to put an end to this suffering. Not tomorrow. Not a day. Today, “she concluded.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Long after weapons are silent, sexual violence linked to conflicts leaves lasting scars
In 2024 alone, the UN checked approximately 4,500 cases of sexual violence related to conflicts (CRSV), although the real number is probably much higher. Women and overwhelming girls were women and girls.
Under international law, the CRSV is recognized as a war crime, a crime against humanity and an act which can constitute a genocide. Its lasting impact undermines efforts to strengthen sustainable peace.
Thursday, the UN marked the International day for the elimination of sexual violence in conflicts, Highlight the lasting and intergenerational effects of this brutal tactic.
War tactics
In many conflicts, sexual violence is deliberately used to terrorize, punish and humiliate civilians.
“” It is used to terrorize, punish, but also to humiliate civilians, especially women and girls,“Said Esmeralda Alabre, coordinator of the United Nations Reproductive Health Agency (Unfpa) Response to sexist violence in Sudan, addressing the UN News.
But the evil does not stop with the survivors. The CRSV is often used to tear communities and undermine social cohesion. It fragments families, spreads fear and deepens societal divisions.
In Haiti, the gangs forced family members to violate their own mothers and wives, according to Pascale Solages, founder of a feminist organization in the country.
The body of women is transformed into battlefields. The authors aim to destroy community links, using rape as a tool for domination and control. The survivors are left to carry the burden of trauma, stigma and isolation, She said UN News.
Generational trauma
Many survivors are silenced by fears of reprisals and reprisals: “To break the cycle, we must face the horrors of the past,” said UN secretary general, António Guterres, in a statement mark the day.
The trauma is not only immediate, but also creates deep and lasting intergenerational injuries, because the cycle of violence often has an impact on several generations.
Avoided by their communities, many survivors are forced to raise children born by themselves. “” It is almost as if their cries were ignored by the world“Said Ms. Alabre.
The survivors of the CRSV and their children, often excluded from education, employment and other essential aspects of life, are pushed into poverty – more deepening their vulnerability.
“” For too many women and children, war is not over when it is finished“Said the United Nations Special Representative who advocates all those who experience sexual violence in conflict circles, Pramila Patten.
Need for responsibility
Survivors not only have the right to security and support, but also to justice and repair. Again, ” Too often, the authors walk freely, masked with impunity while survivors often carry the impossible burden of stigma and shameSaid Mr. Guterres.
The limited availability of support services, especially after recent aid reductions, is the healing of survivors: not only does it become more difficult for survivors to hold their responsible attackers, and prevention efforts have been blocked by funding cuts in many capitals since the beginning of the year.
“What happened to me could have been prevented,” Ms. Patten told many times.
However, in March only, the UNFPA Sudan office had to close 40 safe spaces for women and girls, hindering efforts to provide immediate and long -term care to survivors.
Community interventions, support adapted to children to the education of children’s survivors and changes in legislative policy play a crucial role in the prevention of the CRSV.
“” If we have the investment in the resumption of women, we sons up the investment in the resumption of conflicts and that we all inherit a less sure world“Said Ms. Patten.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
World News in Brief: Global investment plunges, hurricane season in Haiti, rising cholera and hunger in South Sudan
Their latest data shows that the outlook for international investment this year “is negative”, a sharp course correction from January, when “modest” growth seemed possible.
The reasons for this range from trade tensions and tariffs whose main effect has been a “dramatic increase in investor uncertainty”, said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.
She said that investment in renewable energy, water and sanitation fell by some 30 per cent and that agriculture saw a 19 per cent drop in investor confidence.
Only the health sector saw an increase of nearly 20 per cent, Ms. Grynspan said, although that only accounts for “less than $15 billion globally”.
‘Very real consequences’
“Behind those numbers are very real consequences. Jobs not created,” she said. “Infrastructure not built, sustainable development delayed. What we see here is not just a downturn. It is a pattern.”
Ms. Grynspan also cited “growing geopolitical tensions” in addition to rising trade barriers around the world as reasons for the fall in global investment for development.
In critical sectors as hi-tech industries and rare earth minerals, governments are also tightening screening measures on proposed foreign investment, the UN agency noted.
Supplies to limit hurricane impact in Haiti critically low
The Humanitarian Country Team in Haiti warned Wednesday that funding and pre-positioned contingency supplies are critically low ahead of what is forecast to be an above-average hurricane season.
Haiti is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, with 96 per cent of the population at risk. Forecasts project 12 to 19 tropical storms and up to five major hurricanes this year.
The alert comes as the fragile island nation grapples with a worsening humanitarian crisis. Armed gangs control much of the country, the collapse of essential services and growing displacement have left 5.7 million people food insecure, 1.3 million displaced and 230,000 living in makeshift shelters ill-equipped to withstand severe weather.
Limited preparations
Humanitarian actors have pre-positioned limited stocks of essential items, but they are at a record low for a hurricane season posing such high risk.
For the first time, Haiti will begin the hurricane season without pre-positioned food supplies or the financial resources necessary to initiate a rapid response.
Meanwhile, UN Humanitarian Office (OCHA) is coordinating missions with UN agencies and partners to assess how to safely resume aid operations in high-need areas, following their suspension on 26 May due to insecurity.
“I am deeply concerned for communities, families, and vulnerable groups who have already been affected by violence and are living in precarious conditions,” said Ulrika Richardson, Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, calling for immediate support.
As of mid-June, the $908 million Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti is just 8 per cent funded.
Worsening cholera and hunger in South Sudan
OCHA raised the alarm on Thursday over rising malnutrition and cholera cases in war-torn South Sudan.
An estimated 2.3 million children under five urgently need treatment for acute malnutrition, a 10 per cent increase since last July.
This crisis is unfolding amid the world’s most severe cholera outbreak this year, with almost 74,000 cases and at least 1,362 deaths reported as of 16 June.
The start of the rainy season and waning immunity risk a significant surge in infections.
UN response
The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan is only 20 per cent funded.
Despite limited resources and many challenges, the UN and partners have scaled up efforts, delivering vaccines and life-saving aid to contain the disease and protect the most vulnerable.
“This dire situation is a stark reminder that we need funding urgently to expand food assistance, to expand nutrition and expand health services to those who need it the most,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at the daily briefing in New York.
Remarks by Paschal Donohoe following the Eurogroup meeting of 19 June 2025
Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe after the Eurogroup meeting on Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area, reinforcing security in Europe, removing barriers in the single market, the digital euro and the Eurogroup presidency.
Long after the guns fall silent, conflict-related sexual violence leaves lasting scars
In 2024 alone, the UN verified around 4,500 cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), though the real number is likely much higher. An overwhelming 93 per cent of survivors were women and girls.
Under international law, CRSV is recognised as a war crime, a crime against humanity, and an act that can constitute genocide. Its long-lasting impact undermines efforts to build lasting peace.
On Thursday, the UN marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, highlighting the enduring and intergenerational effects of this brutal tactic.
Tactic of war
In many conflicts, sexual violence is deliberately used to terrorise, punish and humiliate civilians.
“It is used to terrorise, to punish, but also to humiliate civilians, especially women and girls,” said Esméralda Alabre, coordinator of the UN reproductive health agency’s (UNFPA) response to gender-based violence in Sudan, speaking to UN News.
But the harm does not stop with the survivors. CRSV is often used to tear apart communities and undermine social cohesion. It fragments families, spreads fear and deepens societal divisions.
In Haiti, gangs have forced family members to rape their own mothers and wives, according to Pascale Solages, founder of a feminist organization in the country.
Women’s bodies are being turned into battlegrounds. Perpetrators aim to destroy community bonds, using rape as a tool of domination and control. Survivors are left to carry the burden of trauma, stigma and isolation, she told UN News.
Generational trauma
Many survivors are silenced by fears of reprisal and retaliation: “to break the cycle, we must confront horrors of the past,” said UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, in a statement marking the day.
Trauma is not only immediate, but also creates deep and lasting intergenerational wounds, as the cycle of violence often impacts multiple generations.
Shunned from their communities, many survivors are forced to raise children born out of rape, on their own. “It’s almost like their cries are being ignored by the world,” said Ms. Alabre.
Survivors of CRSV and their children, often excluded from education, employment, and other essential aspects of life, are pushed into poverty – further deepening their vulnerability.
“For too many women and children, war is not over when it’s over,” said the UN Special Representative who advocates for all those who experience sexual violence in conflict settings, Pramila Patten.
Need for accountability
Survivors not only have the right to safety and support, but also to justice and redress. Yet, “too often, perpetrators walk free, cloaked in impunity while survivors often bear the impossible burden of stigma and shame,” said Mr. Guterres.
The limited availability of support services, especially following recent aid cuts, stands in the way of survivors’ healing: not only is it becoming harder for survivors to hold their attackers accountable, prevention efforts are being stymied by funding cuts in many capitals since the start of the year.
“What happened to me could have been prevented,” survivors have told Ms. Patten time and time again.
Yet, in March alone, UNFPA’s Sudan office had to close 40 women and girls safe spaces, impeding efforts to provide both immediate and long-term care to survivors.
Community-based interventions, child-friendly support for child survivors’ education, and legislative policy changes play a crucial role in preventing CRSV.
“If we undermine investment in women’s recovery, we undermine investment in conflict recovery, and we all inherit a less safe world,” said Ms. Patten.
The UN warns of the rise in humanitarian toll while Iranian Israeli hostilities continue
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on a “maximum deduction” on Thursday and reiterated that Israel and Iran are linked by international humanitarian law.
“The large -scale and continuous attacks of Israel through Iran, and missile and drone strikes launched in response by Iran, inflict serious human rights and humanitarian impacts on civilians, and Risk of fixing the whole region on fire“He said in a press release.
“” The only way to get out of this climbing spiral illogical is a maximum restraintFull respect for international law and return in good faith to the negotiating table, “he said.
Appalling collateral damage
The head of the Rights of the United Nations also expressed his deep concern about the impact on civilians.
“” It is appalling to see how civilians are treated as collateral damage in the conduct of hostilities“He said, adding that the threats and the inflammatory rhetoric of senior officials on both sides suggest a” disturbing intention “to inflict damage to civilians.
Air strikes, missiles and drone attacks – launched by Israel and Iran since June 13 – have caused heavy damage to civil infrastructure and have won hundreds of lives.
According to Iranian authorities, at least 224 people were killed, while human rights groups report significantly higher figures. In Israel, officials report 24 deaths and more than 840 injuries so far.
Generalized panic
Warnings from the two governments have also caused a widespread panic among civilians.
The call of Israel to civilians to evacuate Tuesday triggered panic through Tehran, causing heavy traffic jams on the motorways. The movement would have been hampered across the country by fuel shortages, causing queues for several hours in the service stations.
Refugee
The United Nations High Commissioner Office for Refugees (Hcr) expressed serious concerns about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, adding that he was monitoring the reports that people are in movement in Iran and that some leave for neighboring countries.
UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch warned that the situation remained fluid and difficult to verify.
“” Iran has long welcomed the largest population of Afghan refugees in the world. Now, his own people have a devastation and fear“Added Mr. Baloch.
He also underlined the principle of non-refoulement, calling for neighboring countries to give protection to anyone fleeing violence and not to return them.
Iran welcomes around 3.5 million refugees and those of refugee type situations, including some 750,000 Afghans registered and more than 2.6 million undocumented people.
Regional concerns
There are already regional benefits, with missile launches from Yemen to Israel and the Palestinian territory occupied and increased tensions involving armed groups in Iraq, according to Ochha.
“” This escalation takes place while the region is already struggling with growing humanitarian needs, strongly reduced funding and an operational space forced to humanitarian action“Said the office in a Flash update Posted Wednesday.
“De -escalation is vital to prevent new suffering from civilians and the displacements of the population,” said OCHA.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Gaza: While the last fuel supplies are exhausted, the aid teams provide a disaster
Speaking of Gaza City in the north of the occupied territory, Olga Cherevko of the United Nations Coordination Office, Ochhasaid that the water pumps had stopped on a site for people displaced there Wednesday “Because there is no fuel”.
“We are really – unless the situation changes – A few hours before a catastrophic decline and a closure of more installations if no fuel penetrates or more fuel is not immediately recovered, “she said News News.
In its latest emergency update, OCHA said that without immediate fuel entry or access to reserves, 80% of Gaza intensive care units for births and medical emergencies will close.
More killed by looking for help
Development comes as the Gaza authorities reported that 15 people had been killed near a help center for aid center on Thursday.
On Tuesday, not verified videos from another incident circulating on social networks have shown corpses in the street near a rescue center in the southern city of Khan Younis, which would have followed an artillery fire.
Finding food is a daily challenge for increasingly desperate Gazans who are “Just wait for food and hope to find something so as not to look at their children starving before their eyes“Said Ms. Cherevko.
She added: “I spoke with a woman a few days ago when she told me that she had gone with one of her friends who was nine months pregnant in the hope of finding food.
Of course, they did not succeed because they were too afraid of entering areas where there could be incidents like those who have been reported in the past few days. »»
Search for shelter
Back in Gaza City, Ms. Cherenko of Ocha said that the conditions in the shelters in Gaza are now “absolutely horrible” and more and more congested – “there are people who come constantly from the north,” added the veteran, while others are also going north, probably closer to the entry points for aid conveyors.
The quantity of help entering Gaza today remains extremely limited and well below the 600 trucks per day which reached the enclave before the start of the war in October 2023. In its last updateOcha reported that “famine and an increasing probability of famine” are still present in the enclave. It is estimated that 55,000 pregnant women are now confronted with miscarriage, mortincy and undernourished newborns following the food shortage.
The explosions smoke rises from the Shujaia district of Gaza City.
Famine regime
“With the very limited aid volume that has entered, Everyone continues to face famine and people are constantly risking their lives to try to find something“Continued Ms. Cherevko.
“” You eat or [you’re] left with the choice to die of hunger to death. “”
After more than 20 months of war, triggered by terrorist attacks led by Hamas in Israel, 82% of the Gaza territory is either a militarized Israeli area, or affected by evacuation orders.
Three months since hostilities re -granted on March 18, more than 680,000 people were newly moved. “Without a safe place, many people have sought refuge in all available spaces, including overcrowded travel sites, makeshift shelters, damaged buildings, streets and open areas,” said Ocha.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
