Overview
- Nearly 12,000 children were killed or injured in conflicts worldwide in 2024, the highest total since records began in 2006.
- Explosive weapons accounted for more than 70% of child casualties last year, up from an average of about 59% from 2020 to 2024.
- Save the Children identifies Gaza as the deadliest recent conflict for children, citing about 20,000 killed there since October 2023.
- The report highlights the heaviest tolls in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine and Syria as fighting has moved into densely populated areas.
- Medical experts warn children suffer disproportionately severe blast injuries and urge stronger protection measures and specialized pediatric trauma care.