According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ annual report, violence against children in armed conflicts reached “extreme levels” in 2023, with a “shocking” increase in serious violations of children’s rights—even with data regarding the Gaza Strip missing.
The report states “In 2023, violence against children in the context of armed conflicts reached extreme levels, with a shocking 21% increase in serious violations” expected to be officially released on Thursday.
It references 30,705 documented violations from the previous year.
The yearly report from the Secretary-General includes annexes that document the abuses of children’s rights (those under the age of 18) that occur in about 20 conflict zones globally. These violations include sexual violence, forced recruitment, abductions, murders, and maiming of minors.
The research highlights that in 2023, children were the ones most affected by the recurrence and escalation of crises, characterised by a complete indifference to children’s rights, particularly their right to life.
The report makes clear that children’s rights have been violated in Israel and the Palestinian territories on a never-before-seen scale and severity (+155%).
LIST OF SHAME
In this light, the “list of shame” that is affixed to the report now includes both Hamas and the Israeli military. Since last week, this material has already been made public.
Sudan is experiencing a far more terrible scenario, with a startling 480% rise in the incidence of significant violations of children’s rights.
The Secretary-General has consequently put the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who were engaged in the conflict in April 2023, to the “list of shame.”
(Source: en.philenews)
