The United Nations has once again highlighted the grave violations against children in conflict zones around the world. The latest annual report by the U.N. Secretary-General, launched by Virginia Gamba, the U.N. envoy for children and armed conflict, reveals the increasingly dire situation faced by youngsters in war-torn regions such as Sudan, Congo, and Haiti. This investigative feature delves into specific regions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the plight of children caught in the crossfire. Sudan’s descent into chaos began in mid-April 2023 when long-standing tensions between military and paramilitary factions erupted into full-scale conflict. The violence quickly spread from the capital Khartoum to other regions, notably Darfur. Once synonymous with genocide and war crimes, Darfur is now witnessing a resurgence of brutal violence. The U.N. reports that over 14,000 people have been
killed and 33,000 injured in the ongoing conflict. Children in Sudan face unprecedented levels of violence
and exploitation. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been blacklisted by the U.N. for their role in killing, maiming, and sexually assaulting children. Additionally, the Sudanese Armed Forces have been implicated in
similar atrocities, including attacks on schools and hospitals. Gamba’s concerns for the future are particularly focused on Sudan, emphasizing the expansion of violence into neighboring Chad. In the mineral-rich eastern Congo, the situation is deteriorating as the 13,500-strong U.N. peacekeeping force prepares to withdraw by the end of December 2024. This withdrawal leaves a power vacuum that rebel groups and government forces are vying to fill, resulting in increased instability and violence. Gamba’s report highlights “massive sexual violence” against
children in Congo, warning that this is likely to increase as peacekeepers withdraw. The report lists Congo’s armed forces and 16 armed groups on the U.N. blacklist for their roles in violating children’s rights. The absence of U.N. peacekeepers means a significant reduction in monitoring capabilities, leaving children even more vulnerable. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, gangs have seized control of up to 80% of Haiti’s capital. The surge in gang violence has led to a dramatic increase in killings, rapes, and kidnappings, prompting civilian vigilante groups to rise in opposition.

The U.N. began monitoring violence against children in Haiti in June 2023, verifying 383 grave violations against 307 children in the last six months of the year. These violations include killings, maiming, and particularly systemic sexual violence against girls. The U.N. chief’s report expresses deep concern about the pervasive nature of these violations, which have become endemic in the region. The civil war in Myanmar and its spillover into Bangladesh remain critical areas of concern. Children in these regions face severe threats, including recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Looking to the future, Gamba expressed grave concerns about the situation in Somalia and Afghanistan. Both countries are experiencing heightened conflict and instability, which pose severe risks to children’s safety and well-being. For the first time, the U.N. report included both Israeli forces and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants on the blacklist for violations against children’s rights in 2023. The listing follows the events of Hamas’ October 7 invasion of southern Israel and the subsequent military retaliation in Gaza, which is still ongoing.

The U.N. also retained the Russian armed forces and affiliated groups on the blacklist for their continued violations against Ukrainian children. These include killings, maiming, and attacks on schools and hospitals throughout 2023.
The international community must prioritize the monitoring and reporting of violations against children in conflict
zones. Without the presence of peacekeepers and adequate monitoring mechanisms, many atrocities may go unreported, leaving children without protection or justice. There is an urgent need for increased humanitarian aid and support for children affected by conflicts. This includes not only
immediate relief but also long term support such as education, psychological care, and community rebuilding efforts. The U.N. report serves as a stark reminder of the horrific conditions faced by children in conflict zones worldwide. From Sudan and Congo to Haiti and beyond, the international community must take decisive action to protect these vulnerable populations. The plight of children in these regions is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate
and sustained attention. As Gamba’s warnings indicate, without concerted global efforts, the future for these children remains perilously uncertain.