The new Supplementary Analysis 2025 of the Annual Report of the UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict paints an alarming picture. In 2025, the United Nations verified 38,558 grave violations against children — affecting 24,174 children, the highest number since the mandate on Children and Armed Conflict was created 30 years ago.

The findings show a relentless upward trend. The killing of children surged by 34%, abductions rose by 12% and reached the highest level ever recorded, and more than 8,300 incidents of denial of humanitarian access were verified. One in three victims was a girl, and 99% of verified sexual violence was perpetrated against girls. Globally, over 520 million children — 1 in 5 — now live amid armed conflict.

Behind every number is a child. As one child affected by armed conflict wrote to world leaders: war destroys not only cities, but also people’s hopes — and the wounds it leaves in people’s hearts remain for many years.

Not only bad news

The report also highlights progress. In 2025, more than 13,000 children who exited armed forces or groups received protection, family tracing and reintegration support. New action plans, handover protocols and national child protection laws were adopted in several countries, showing that sustained engagement and political will can deliver real results for children.

What the report calls for

The report urges all parties to conflict to choose dialogue over destruction, respect international humanitarian law, and stop using explosive weapons in populated areas. It calls on all Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child — including through the Prove It Matters campaign, which has already brought together the messages of peace of more than 10,000 children worldwide through origami doves addressed to the leaders of the world. It also calls on technology and social media companies to prevent their platforms from being used for the recruitment and exploitation of children.

Why this matters for us

Protecting children from violence — in war zones or online — is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation across borders, sectors and professions. These are the values at the heart of the Connect to Protect conference, where experts, practitioners and policymakers come together to strengthen child protection everywhere. Children have rights. Children want peace. It is up to all of us to listen and take action.

Learn more about the campaign and the report !