“It is urgent that all parties take the necessary actions to minimize harm to children and prioritize their protection in the conduct of hostilities as well as protect schools and hospitals,” said Ms. ‘Dark’ future loomsĪrmed groups, particularly the Taliban, were responsible for most incidents, or 46 per cent, with Government and pro-Government forces accounting for 35 per cent, followed by landmines and explosive remnants of war.

The research revealed that during the reporting period, one in three casualties was a child. “As the already dramatic situation continues to evolve rapidly and concerning reports of human rights violations keep arising, I call for all abuses to stop, and I urge the Taliban and all other parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as by national commitments and protect the lives and rights of all people, including those of women and girls.” “I am appalled by the continuing and rising high levels of violence endured by children in Afghanistan, including those caught up in combat,” she said. “It is more critical than ever to act to protect our children and ensure their safer and better future”.Virginia Gamba, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, said Afghanistan continues to be one of the most dangerous places to be a child. “When peace goes missing, children are the first to pay the price of this tragic loss”, she declared. Gamba, hailing the current truce in Yemen’s conflict as an example. “Parties engaged in peace processes and discussions should consider integrating the rights and needs of children into their negotiations as well as their final agreements, as it remains the only way to reach a sustainable peace”, continued Ms. The Special Representative outlined the importance of providing children released from armed forces and groups with appropriate support to reintegrate into their communities. Overall, 12,214 children were released from armed forces and groups in countries including the Central African Republic, Colombia, DRC, Myanmar, and Syria. Walking past the front of their house, Weam, her father and her three cousins were targeted by an anti-personnel drone rocket, which exploded, breaking into thousands of small metallic cubes ‘Peace must prevail’Īmidst the catalogue of violations, progress was made in some regions.

Children and armed conflict