Africa has 218 million children living near armed conflict, report says

A new analysis estimates that one in five children worldwide lived within 50 kilometres of armed conflict in 2024 highlighting the growing impact of war on education, safety and essential services.

An estimated 520 million children worldwide were living within 50 kilometres of armed conflict in 2024 representing 20.7% of the global child population and the highest proportion ever recorded according to research by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) commissioned by Save the Children.

The findings highlight the expanding reach of armed violence and its consequences for children including those who may never experience direct physical harm but face insecurity displacement and disruption to basic services.

The report uses a 50-kilometre radius around lethal conflict events to measure children’s exposure to violence. It does not mean every child within that distance was injured or directly attacked. Instead, the measure captures the wider effects of conflict on everyday life.

Africa accounted for the largest number of affected children with approximately 218 million living near conflict zones. The continent also recorded the highest regional proportion at 32.6%.

The figures come alongside growing concerns about serious violations against children. The United Nations has verified more than 430,000 grave violations since 2005 including over 38,000 during 2025 alone — the highest annual total since the monitoring system was established.

The State of Palestine, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria were among the worst-affected locations. However, the UN figures reflect only cases that could be independently verified meaning the actual scale of violations may be greater.

Explosive weapons were responsible for more than 70% of verified child casualties in 2025. Their impact also extended beyond immediate casualties, damaging schools, hospitals and water infrastructure. The UN further documented more than 8,000 incidents in which humanitarian assistance was obstructed.

Education has emerged as another major casualty of prolonged conflict. A March 2026 policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics cited UN estimates that more than 52 million children were out of school because of conflict in 2024.

Girls face additional barriers with those living in conflict-affected areas estimated to be around 2.5 times more likely than boys to miss school. Prolonged closures can also increase their exposure to exploitation, early marriage and recruitment.

International efforts have produced some progress since the 1996 Graca Machel report on children affected by war. More than 40 action plans have been signed with conflict parties while over 220,000 children have reportedly been released from armed forces and groups.

However, UNICEF chief Catherine Russell has stressed that humanitarian assistance cannot replace political efforts to end wars. The report’s broader message is that documenting abuses must be accompanied by practical protection sustained funding and diplomatic action to prevent further harm to children.