UNICEF: over 52 million children out of school, 2024 among worst years for kids in conflict

Over 52 million children have been forced out of school due to conflicts worldwide, making 2024 one of the most challenging years for children in conflict zones, according to UNICEF. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) highlighted an alarming rise in violations of children’s rights, including deaths, injuries, lack of education, missed vaccinations, and malnutrition.

Children’s rights under threat

UNICEF has declared 2024 as one of the worst years in its history for children living in conflict areas. In these regions, children face devastating violations of their rights. They are killed, injured, or displaced, while many lose access to education, essential healthcare, and proper nutrition. According to UNICEF, these numbers are likely to increase as conflicts persist.

More than 473 million children—approximately one in six globally—currently live in areas impacted by war or conflict. These regions include Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. The prolonged violence has had a severe impact on their physical and emotional well-being.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized, “A child growing up in a conflict zone is far more likely to be out of school, malnourished, or forced from their home—often repeatedly—compared to a child living in peace. This must not be the new normal. We cannot allow a generation of children to become collateral damage to the world’s unchecked wars.”

The destruction of schools and insecurity near educational facilities have deepened the education crisis. Millions of children in conflict-affected areas have been without access to learning. In countries like Sudan and Gaza, children have missed more than a year of schooling due to war and instability.

In Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Syria, schools have been destroyed, damaged, or repurposed for other uses, depriving children of a safe environment to learn. UNICEF reported that the lack of educational infrastructure and ongoing insecurity have created a dire situation for children’s education in these regions.

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Malnutrition and healthcare access

UNICEF has raised concerns about the rising levels of malnutrition among children in conflict zones. Disruptions to food systems, displacement of populations, and blocked access to humanitarian aid have all contributed to this crisis. Malnourished children face a higher risk of severe health issues, which further exacerbates the challenges they endure.

Healthcare access has also been severely impacted. Nearly 40% of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children live in conflict-affected regions. Lack of access to critical vaccines has made these children vulnerable to preventable diseases, creating a public health emergency.

The psychological toll of growing up in conflict zones is immense. Exposure to violence, destruction, and the loss of loved ones leads to significant mental health challenges for children. Symptoms such as depression, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, aggressive behavior, and fear are common among children living in these environments.

UNICEF has called for immediate action to address the urgent needs of children in conflict zones. Governments and humanitarian organizations must work together to restore access to education, healthcare, and proper nutrition while ensuring children’s safety and well-being.

As conflicts continue to disrupt the lives of millions, the international community must prioritize the protection of children and their rights. These efforts are crucial to preventing an entire generation from being lost to the devastating effects of war and instability.