UN’s 30th‑Year Report Highlights Rising Risks to Children in Conflict

The Special Representative of the Secretary‑General for Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) released its 30th‑anniversary report to the General Assembly, noting that the number of children affected by grave violations has reached a new tragic height. Over the past three decades, the mandate has secured more than 40 action plans with parties to conflict, leading to the release of over 220,000 children from armed forces and groups and their transfer to civilian protection actors. The latest report warns that explosive weapons, unmanned aerial systems, and the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasing physical and psychological harm to children. For the first time, state forces are identified as the main perpetrators, underscoring the need for stronger accountability and mental‑health support within reintegration programmes. The CAAC’s “Prove It Matters” campaign has gathered over 10,000 messages from conflict‑affected children, amplifying their voices to the international community.