Sexual violence against children in conflict surges by 50 per cent in five years to record high levels

Violence against children in armed conflict reached its highest recorded level in 2024, with two reports highlighting a surge in life-altering sexual abuse.

According to a new report by Save the Children, at least 1,938 cases of sexual violence against children were verified in 2024, representing the highest figure since records began and a 50 per cent increase from 2020.

The findings reveal a catastrophic impact on the physical, psychological, and social well-being of child survivors and highlight the need for urgent, coordinated global action.

Save the Children, which works to advance children's rights and protection, stated that such violence fundamentally undermines children's futures.

Survivors are often left with severe physical injuries, which can be particularly harmful due to their still-developing bodies. In many cases, damage to reproductive systems causes infertility, incontinence, and lifelong pain, while exposing children to a high risk of sexually transmitted infections.

“Girls who become pregnant are at risk of life-threatening complications during childbirth, often drop out of school, and may face social exclusion and stigma,” the organisation stated.

“The scale and gravity of sexual violence against children in armed conflict demands immediate and concerted action from the UN, governments, donors, and the humanitarian sector to fulfil their duty to protect children.”

The report called on the world not to turn its back on humanity.

“When children are subjected to relentless violence in the name of war, we all share the blame and we all share the responsibility to stop the suffering. The horrors children endure in conflict are worsening year on year, exposing a persistent and blatant disregard for the protections children are entitled to.”

It further notes that sexual violence against children, once carried out in secrecy, is increasingly being used as a deliberate tactic of war.

“Sexual violence in conflict must be treated with the same gravity as guns and bombs. It is especially deplorable when a child suffers such brutality. States must take action, they have a legal and moral responsibility to expose the perpetrators, enforce standards of conduct in conflict, and support services for survivors,” said Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International.

Spotlight on Haiti

Chantal Sylvie Imbeault, Save the Children’s Country Director in Haiti, said the country has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for children, who continue to experience serious violations while receiving minimal global attention.

“Every girl and boy in Haiti deserves to live free from the fear of sexual violence. Stronger protections must urgently be put in place to stop this harrowing trend. Many children are living in overcrowded camps with limited aid, where sexual violence, abuse, and recruitment by armed groups are rampant. Haiti’s children urgently need safety, protection, and access to child-friendly services. The world needs to wake up,” she said.

Separately, the Annual Report of the UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, released yesterday, confirmed a 35 per cent increase in rape and other forms of sexual violence against children in 2024. Cases of gang rape have also risen dramatically.

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Haiti recorded the highest number of verified cases (566), followed by Nigeria (419), the Democratic Republic of Congo (358), and Somalia (267).

The UN warned that the actual number of cases is likely significantly higher, due to stigmatisation, fear of reprisals, cultural taboos, and lack of services or safe reporting mechanisms.

The report further revealed that overall violations against children in conflict reached a record high of 41,370 in 2024. The most common grave violations included the killing and maiming of 11,967 children, with the highest figures reported in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (8,544), the DRC (4,043), Somalia (2,568), Nigeria (2,436), and Haiti (2,269).

The six grave violations tracked by the UN Security Council include killing and maiming of children, recruitment and use of children by armed forces and groups, rape and other forms of sexual violence against children, abduction of children, attacks on schools and hospitals and denial of humanitarian access to children

These violations are classified based on their severity and lasting impact on children’s well-being. The report also documented the continued detention of children in conflict since 2012.