Save the Children reports that about 520 million children — roughly one in five worldwide — lived in or near conflict zones in 2024, 47 million more than in 2023. The organisation verified 41,763 grave violations against children in 2024, a 30% increase, with over half occurring in the occupied Palestinian territories, the DRC, Nigeria and Somalia. With 61 state-based conflicts recorded (the most since 1946), Save the Children urges urgent political action to prioritise child protection over increased military spending.
One in Five Children — 520 Million — Lived in Conflict Zones in 2024, Save the Children Warns
Save the Children reports that about 520 million children — roughly one in five worldwide — lived in or near conflict zones in 2024, 47 million more than in 2023. The organisation verified 41,763 grave violations against children in 2024, a 30% increase, with over half occurring in the occupied Palestinian territories, the DRC, Nigeria and Somalia. With 61 state-based conflicts recorded (the most since 1946), Save the Children urges urgent political action to prioritise child protection over increased military spending.
14:44, 04.11.2025Conflict
One in Five Children Lived Near Conflict in 2024
A report published by Save the Children found that roughly 520 million children worldwide — about one in five — were living in or within 50 kilometres of active conflict zones in 2024. This is an increase of 47 million children compared with 2023 and the highest total recorded since 2005.
Record rise in verified violations
The study verified 41,763 "grave violations against children" last year, a 30% rise from 2023 and a new record high. More than half of these confirmed incidents occurred in four areas: the occupied Palestinian territories, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Somalia.
Worsening global conflict landscape
Save the Children documented 61 state-based conflicts in 2024 — conflicts in which at least one of the warring parties is a state government — the highest number recorded since 1946. The organisation warned that the expanding footprint of armed violence has profound consequences for children's safety, education and wellbeing.
Florian Westphal, chief executive of Save the Children Germany, called for urgent political action: "At a time of global military build-up, protecting children must be at the centre of security policy. It is scandalous that governments spend more on weapons than on protecting children in conflict zones."
Sources and definitions
The report draws on data from the Oslo-based Peace Research Institute (PRIO) and United Nations reports. For the purposes of the study, conflict zones are defined as areas within 50 kilometres of any site that experienced at least one documented "conflict incident" during the year.
What this means: Millions more children are being exposed to violence, displacement and disruption to basic services. The report calls for stronger international and national policies to prioritise child protection, reduce harm to civilians and redirect spending toward humanitarian and protective measures for children.