Children in Conflict
Today, more than 520 million children are living within a conflict zone.
Legal & political commitments
This framework assesses states' commitments to protecting children in armed conflict through two dimensions. The legal dimension covers international instruments providing general or specific protection, while the political dimension involves three voluntary declarations states can endorse to safeguard children and their rights.
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I
Save the Children calls for the protection of children in conflict!
Governments and armed actors must uphold international humanitarian law, ensure safe humanitarian access, and increase targeted funding for children affected by war. Coordination, prevention, and response to grave violations against children must be prioritized and properly funded. All states should endorse and fully implement treaties and declarations that safeguard children and education in conflict zones.
Children in conflict zones
Over time, despite some fluctuations, there has been a steady increase in the number and share of children living in conflict zones. The number is more than two and a half times as high as in the mid-1990s. Also, the share of children in conflict zones has almost doubled from 10% in mid-1990s to 20% today. While a childhood in armed conflict has profound and lasting effects, the intensity of conflicts varies widely. From areas experiencing a single lethal incident in a year to those enduring over a thousand, the level of exposure significantly influences children's experiences. This section examines the countries where children reside within conflict zones, providing insights into the intensity of the conflict they face.
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The Six Grave Violations against children
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II
Save the Children calls for accountability for violations against children!
Those who harm children in war must be held to account. Governments and international actors must strengthen national and global accountability mechanisms, support the UN’s Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism, and ensure that all perpetrators of grave violations against children are listed impartially and transparently. Ending impunity is essential to ending attacks on children.
Humanitarian funding for child protection
In humanitarian settings annual plans to respond to the most pressing needs are prepared. They are presented by the UN and partners to the international community – with a price tag. The plans include interventions on Child Protection (CP), meaning efforts to prevent violations against children and assist children who need protection in different ways. The overall plans are chronically underfunded, in 2024 only 50% of the funds asked for overall were received. Zooming in on Child Protection within the plans, even less of the funds needed are received, only 38% in 2024.
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Children at risk of recruitment in conflict
In collaboration with the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) we have calculated how many children live 50km or closer to armed conflicts where at least one conflict actor has been reported to perpetrate recruitment of children in a given year based on numerous public international datasets. This data was last updated in 2020.
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III
Save the Children calls for investment in conflict prevention and peacebuilding!
Lasting peace begins with tackling the root causes of conflict. Governments must develop and implement national strategies for peace, integrate conflict-sensitive education, and address poverty, inequality, and climate vulnerability through inclusive and gender-responsive approaches. Investing in peace is investing in children’s futures.
Children at risk of sexual violence
In collaboration with the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) we have calculated how many children live 50km or closer to armed conflicts where at least one conflict actor have perpetrated sexual violence against children in a given year based on numerous public international datasets. This data was last updated in 2019.
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IV
Save the Children calls for children’s voices to be heard and included!
Children know the impact of conflict and crisis better than anyone, and they have the right to shape the solutions. Governments and decision-makers must ensure that children are meaningfully and safely included in peace processes, policy development, and forums on conflict and climate change. Lasting peace is stronger and more sustainable when children’s voices are part of the conversation.
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see other reports
Unprotected: Analysis of Funding for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action in 2023 (2024)
Unprotected Special Edition: Analysis of funding for child protection in armed conflict in 2021 and 2022 (2023)