– The world has become extremely dangerous for children living in conflict zones, says director of policy and communications at Save the Children, Gunvor Knag Fylkesnes.
19 per cent of the world’s children – 473 million – live today in war and conflict zones. That is almost twice as many as in the mid-1990s.
Terrible development
– On average, 31 children were killed or maimed every single day in 2023. This is a terrible development that we must do everything we can to reverse, says Knag Fylkesnes.
according to the report from Save the Children increased the number of serious abuses against children in war and conflict areas by 15 percent from 2022 to 2023.
Save the Children has been registering since 2005 and notes that a grim record was thus set.
Worst in Palestine and Sudan
Last year, 31,721 serious abuses against children in war and conflict were registered, which on average corresponded to 86 every single day.
The UN defines serious crimes against children as murder, mutilation, abduction, sexual violence, forced recruitment into armed groups, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian aid.
The increase was greatest in the Palestinian territories, where 170 per cent more serious assaults were recorded than the previous year.
– This is due, among other things, to the bestial warfare in Gaza, which has hit children extremely hard. We hardly dare to think about what these figures look like for this year, says Knag Fylkesnes.
The largest relative increase in serious crimes was in civil war-torn Sudan, where the number of cases increased fivefold from 2022 to 2023.
According to Save the Children’s verified figures, at least 11,388 children were killed or maimed in war or conflict last year, and more than a third of them were Palestinian.
Huge costs
Save the Children not only points to the enormous increase in crimes against children, but also to the cost of war and conflict to the world community.
Last year, they estimate that the price tag for war was 19.1 trillion dollars, just over 200,000 billion kroner.
While investments in weapons systems and defense are increasing sharply, the investment in peace and conflict prevention has been reduced in the last 15 years, the organization points out.
Calls for peace building
Save the Children is now asking Norway to take the lead and draw up a long-term plan for a more peaceful world.
– All arrows point in the wrong direction. This report underlines the urgent need for a force for peace. Far more investment is needed in preventing conflict and building more peaceful societies, says Knag Fylkesnes.
– We know what is needed. Now all that is missing is political will, and Norway can be a leading star here, she says.
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**Interview with Gunvor Knag Fylkesnes, Director of Policy and Communications at Save the Children**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Gunvor. Your recent report highlights some shocking statistics regarding children living in conflict zones. Can you provide an overview of the current situation?
**Gunvor Knag Fylkesnes:** Thank you for having me. The situation for children in conflict zones is dire. Our report reveals that 19% of the world’s children, approximately 473 million, are living in areas afflicted by war and conflict. This number has almost doubled since the mid-1990s, which is indeed a terrible development.
**Editor:** That’s a staggering statistic. You mentioned that an average of 31 children are killed or maimed each day. How do you think we can begin to address this alarming trend?
**Gunvor Knag Fylkesnes:** It is heartbreaking to see such numbers. To reverse this trend, we need to intensify our advocacy for children’s rights on an international level. Governments, organizations, and communities must come together to ensure that conflicts do not target children and that protection mechanisms are put in place for those at risk.
**Editor:** The report also indicates a 15% increase in serious abuses against children from 2022 to 2023. What types of abuses are being observed, and which regions are most affected?
**Gunvor Knag Fylkesnes:** Yes, unfortunately, we recorded 31,721 serious abuses against children last year, which averages out to 86 abuses daily. These include horrific acts like murder, mutilation, sexual violence, abduction, and forced recruitment into armed groups. The situations in Palestine and Sudan have been particularly alarming, setting grim records for the severity and frequency of these abuses.
**Editor:** What can individuals and communities do to support children facing these challenges in conflict zones?
**Gunvor Knag Fylkesnes:** Awareness is crucial. Individuals can support organizations like Save the Children through donations or volunteering. Additionally, advocating for stronger policies that protect children in conflict zones is vital. The more people talk about these issues, the greater the pressure on policymakers to take action.
**Editor:** Thank you for these insights, Gunvor. It’s clear that while we are facing a significant crisis, there are steps we can take to help protect the most vulnerable among us.
**Gunvor Knag Fylkesnes:** Thank you for shining a light on this urgent issue. Together, we can make a difference for children in conflict zones.
