NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – According to a recent United Nations evaluation, global efforts to eradicate violence against children are still falling short of the 2030 deadline. This report reflects on twenty years of progress since the landmark UN study on violence against children. It emphasizes that conflict, forced displacement, climate hazards, and digital abuse continue to threaten millions of young lives. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, compiled this latest analysis for the 81st UN General Assembly.
As of now, nearly 19% of children worldwide reside in conflict zones, the report states. During the 1990s, this percentage was close to 10%. By the end of 2024, conflict and violence had displaced 48.8 million children, nearly tripling the figure recorded in 2010. These figures encompass refugee children, asylum seekers, and internally displaced minors, underscoring the widespread disruption faced by children living in war-affected and insecure regions.
Climate-related threats have also become a significant part of the international child protection challenge. The report indicates that approximately 1.1 billion children are exposed to at least three overlapping climate risks. Nearly every child encounters at least one climate hazard, with over 4 million children exposed to six concurrent dangers, as reported by UNICEF. These hazards include droughts, extreme heat, floods, wildfires, tropical storms, and sand and dust storms. Such climate shocks can also interfere with education, healthcare, housing, and access to essential services.
Digital environments amplify threats to children worldwide
The assessment highlights growing concerns about online safety for children across the globe. Data shows that roughly one in three internet users is under 18. Annually, more than 300 million children are subjected to online sexual exploitation and abuse, according to the report. During the past year alone, at least 1.2 million children had their images manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes. Additional digital risks include cyberbullying, identity theft, trafficking, exposure to harmful content, and recruitment for criminal activities.
A 2025 survey conducted by M’jid’s office gathered responses from over 30,000 children from all regions. Sixty-six percent of participants believed that cyberbullying had increased. Meanwhile, half of the children did not know where to report abuse or seek assistance. The report also emphasizes issues such as hate speech, privacy violations, and the spread of manipulated digital content. The rise of artificial intelligence has introduced new abuse avenues through deepfakes and automated content, placing additional pressure on existing child protection systems.
Call for enhanced prevention efforts and accountability measures
The evaluation advocates for national frameworks that prioritize prevention, protection, participation, and accountability. It suggests the need for stronger legislation against violence targeting children and improved systems for gathering accurate data. The report also emphasizes the importance of increased investment in child protection services and accessible reporting channels. To address digital safety, the report recommends implementing more robust privacy controls and safeguards across online platforms and AI systems. It further promotes giving children a meaningful voice in decisions impacting their safety and well-being.
These recent findings arrive as governments worldwide face a critical window to meet the 2030 goal of ending violence against children. Since July 2019, M’jid has served as the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, conducting 65 country visits and engaging with high-ranking officials at both national and local levels. The report estimates that the global economic loss resulting from mental health issues among children amounts to $393 billion annually in human capital. It concludes that current progress remains inadequate to achieve the global target within the set timeline.