A senior United Nations official has warned that children are facing unprecedented dangers as the world records the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council, political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo said grave violations against children have sharply increased, with attacks on schools and hospitals rising significantly.
Highest conflict levels in decades
DiCarlo told the Council that civilian deaths are at their highest levels in decades. Globally, one in five children — around 473 million — is either living in or fleeing conflict zones.
She noted that verified grave violations against children rose by 25 per cent from 2023 to 2024, while cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence increased by 35 per cent.
“In violent conflicts, schools can be one of the only safe spaces,” she said, stressing that education in war zones is both life-saving and life-sustaining.
In 2024 alone, the UN verified 2,374 attacks on schools and hospitals, though many incidents remain unconfirmed due to limited access.
Schools shut amid rising tensions
The remarks came as schools in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman shifted to remote learning due to ongoing military operations in the region.
DiCarlo also referenced reports from Iran about the possible deaths of dozens of children following a strike on a school in Minab, adding that US authorities were reviewing the claims.
Funding gap deepens crisis
Currently, 234 million children in crisis and conflict settings require educational support, while 85 million are completely out of school. Yet funding for education in emergencies has fallen by 24 per cent.
Chairing the session, US First Lady Melania Trump emphasised the importance of education and technology in building peace, urging Council members to safeguard learning opportunities.
DiCarlo concluded with a stark reminder: the most effective way to protect children from conflict is to prevent and end wars.