UNICEF: 2019 ends ‘deadly decade’ for children in conflict zones

Millions of children across the world are entering a new decade facing the devastating consequences of violence in conflict zones, UNICEF said on Monday.

The United Nations’ children’s agency has documented 170,000 grave violations against minors since 2010, including killing, maiming, abduction, sexual violence and recruitment into armed groups.

“Conflicts around the world are lasting longer, causing more bloodshed and claiming more young lives,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “Attacks on children continue unabated as warring parties flout one of the most basic rules of war: the protection of children,” she added, noting that many acts of violence against children went unreported.

UNICEF also noted that the number of countries suffering from conflict is the highest in three decades.

“Armed conflicts are devastating for everyone, but they are particularly brutal for children,” it said.

The six grave violations are: Killing and maiming of children; Recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups; Sexual violence against children; Attacks against schools or hospitals; Abduction of children; and denial of humanitarian access for children.