In 2022, it was reported that 1 in 6 children – or about 449 million – live in a conflict affected area worldwide. The ability for girls and boys to enjoy their most basic rights is significantly impacted by the activities of State and non-State parties to armed conflicts. In 2022 alone, the United Nations (UN) verified over 24,000 grave violations against children. These included killing and maiming, sexual violence, use and recruitment, and abductions. Schools and hospitals were destroyed, and humanitarian access was denied. Almost 3,000 children were also detained for actual or alleged association with armed groups. These alarming patterns raise significant concerns about the adherence to international law, in particular international humanitarian and human rights law, by parties to armed conflict, be they States or non-State armed groups.
Watchlist’s 2022 Annual Report describes the progress made last year, as well as the need to continue to defend and uphold existing protection frameworks, strengthen efforts to prevent conflict before it starts, and promote accountability for and to children.
Read more in Watchlist’s 2022 Annual Report.
