New York, June 20 -- Violence against children in conflict-affected regions reached unprecedented levels in 2024, marking the worst figures since the United Nations began monitoring nearly three decades ago, the organisation revealed.

According to the Secretary-General Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, "In 2024, violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels, with a staggering 25 per cent surge in the number of grave violations in comparison with 2023."

The report verified 41,370 grave violations, of which 36,221 were committed in 2024 and 5,149 were committed earlier but verified in 2024, the highest number since the monitoring tool was established nearly 30 years ago.

The new high surpassed 2023,...