According to UNHCR’s report Global Trends 2024, the number of forced displacement due to conflict and persecution has hit record high. In 2024, forced displacement reached 123.2 million, or 1 in every 67 people. The rate of people being displaced is staggering, with the number of people forced to flee their homes nearly doubling over the past decade. An estimated 49 million of the 123.2 million forcibly displaced people are children under 18.
UNHCR concludes three reasons for the increase of forced displacement over the past five years:
Prolonged conflicts that cause large refugee outflows
Dramatic new or reignited conflicts and situations of insecurity are occurring more frequently
Limited options available for refugees and internally displaced people
Displaced population can be classified as below:
Internally Displaced Person (IDP): One forced to leave its home due to wars and persecution within one’s own country
Refugee: One displaced across borders due to wars and persecution to another country
Asylum-seeker: One who, for fear of persecution in its own country, has sought refuge in another country, in hope to be granted refugee status
Children in Conflict
According to UNHCR’s report Global Trends 2024, the number of forced displacement due to conflict and persecution has hit record high. In 2024, forced displacement reached 123.2 million, or 1 in every 67 people. The rate of people being displaced is staggering, with the number of people forced to flee their homes nearly doubling over the past decade. An estimated 49 million of the 123.2 million forcibly displaced people are children under 18.
UNHCR concludes three reasons for the increase of forced displacement over the past five years:
Prolonged conflicts that cause large refugee outflows
Dramatic new or reignited conflicts and situations of insecurity are occurring more frequently
Limited options available for refugees and internally displaced people
Displaced population can be classified as below:
Internally Displaced Person (IDP): One forced to leave its home due to wars and persecution within one’s own country
Refugee: One displaced across borders due to wars and persecution to another country
Asylum-seeker: One who, for fear of persecution in its own country, has sought refuge in another country, in hope to be granted refugee status
Who
As the number of global crises grows continually, 473 million children in the world are now living in or fleeing conflict-affected countries and areas. They are confronted with physical harm, diseases, trauma and exploitation.
A fundamental problem is that the laws of conflict zones do not provide enough protection for children. There are loopholes in implementing the existing law, and the lack of local awareness on the issue remains a huge setback.
Physically weak, children are often maimed, wounded or killed in conflict, and were prone to the long-term psychological trauma brought by the loss of their loved ones.
When running for their lives, many children could not keep up and became separated from their family members. Some children even witness brutal attacks of family and friends, became orphaned which further exposed them to many risks including abduction, violence, sexual abuse and recruitment into armed forces.
Sources: UNICEF (2024)
Who
As the number of global crises grows continually, 473 million children in the world are now living in or fleeing conflict-affected countries and areas. They are confronted with physical harm, diseases, trauma and exploitation.
A fundamental problem is that the laws of conflict zones do not provide enough protection for children. There are loopholes in implementing the existing law, and the lack of local awareness on the issue remains a huge setback.
Physically weak, children are often maimed, wounded or killed in conflict, and were prone to the long-term psychological trauma brought by the loss of their loved ones.
When running for their lives, many children could not keep up and became separated from their family members. Some children even witness brutal attacks of family and friends, became orphaned which further exposed them to many risks including abduction, violence, sexual abuse and recruitment into armed forces.
Sources: UNICEF (2024)
What
Child Soldier
Thousands of children are still recruited and used in armed conflicts worldwide. Between 2005 and 2022, over 105,000 cases were verified, though the true figure is likely far higher. These boys and girls, often labelled “child soldiers,”, face exploitation far beyond combat. Armed groups force them into roles as fighters, spies, porters and messengers, while many girls endure sexual violence. Some are abducted or coerced; others join out of poverty or to protect their families. Whatever the reason, recruiting children is a grave violation of child rights and international law.
Life within armed groups leaves lasting scars. Children endure trauma, injury and abuse, and many become desensitised to violence. Returning home, they often face stigma or rejection, making reintegration and recovery an enormous challenge for both them and their communities.
Physical and Mental Health
Right now, over 473 million children live in conflict zones, one in sixfive children globally. Wars strip them of basic rights, leaving many without food, medicine, education, or safe shelter. Constant displacement and attacks put them at risk of malnutrition and preventable diseases, while witnessing bombings, losing loved ones, and fleeing violence inflict invisible wounds that last long after the fighting stops.
Many children live in a state of constant overwhelming stress, unsure if each day might be their last. This relentless fear fuels anxiety, depression, nightmares, and behavioural struggles. Some become withdrawn; others express aggression or even turn to self-harm. Without timely support, the damage can be lifelong, affecting brain development, learning, and the ability to form healthy relationships well into adulthood.
Listen to the stories of these children:
Denial of Education
85 million children living in conflict areas are out of school. Low educational attainment is prevalent among children in conflicts, especially among girls.
Schools are often the target of attack which puts students and teachers at risk of death or injury, and causes students to attend school less often or drop out of schools. Even when the conflict ends, children usually cannot immediately return to school.
The denial of education has one of the most devastating impacts on children, robbing them of the knowledge and skills essential for survival, earning a livelihood, and helping to rebuild their countries and economies after war.
Sexual Violence and Early Marriage
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict-related sexual violence, making up over 95% of the 3,622 UN‑verified cases reported in the latest UN Secretary-General’s report. Of these, 1,186 victims were children, with girls accounting for 98% of those cases. Sexual violence is also committed against men, boys and LGBTIQ+ individuals, though such cases are vastly underreported due to stigma and fear.
Conflict-related sexual violence includes rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced pregnancy and other grave abuses. Survivors face devastating physical, psychological, and reproductive health consequences, yet access to medical care is often blocked as hospitals and health workers are targeted. Families in refugee communities sometimes force girls into early marriage, believing it offers protection, yet abuse and exploitation often continue within these unions.
Child Labour
Conflict often forces children to become the main or only breadwinner for their families. In refugee communities, children as young as six can end up working long hours in unsafe conditions for just a few dollars a day. Many take on roles as farm workers, street vendors, shop assistants, restaurant helpers or even on construction sites, work that robs them of education and childhood.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as “work that deprives children of their childhood, potential and dignity, and that is harmful to their physical and mental development.” Poverty, displacement, and the collapse of schools in conflict zones are major drivers, leaving children with no choice but to work. Globally, 160 million children are in child labour, with nearly half under 12 years old. Africa bears the heaviest burden, but the problem spans every region, deepening the long-term harm of war on children’s futures.
Source: UNHCR, UNICEF, United Nations, Save the Children
What
Child Soldier
Thousands of children are still recruited and used in armed conflicts worldwide. Between 2005 and 2022, over 105,000 cases were verified, though the true figure is likely far higher. These boys and girls, often labelled “child soldiers,”, face exploitation far beyond combat. Armed groups force them into roles as fighters, spies, porters and messengers, while many girls endure sexual violence. Some are abducted or coerced; others join out of poverty or to protect their families. Whatever the reason, recruiting children is a grave violation of child rights and international law.
Life within armed groups leaves lasting scars. Children endure trauma, injury and abuse, and many become desensitised to violence. Returning home, they often face stigma or rejection, making reintegration and recovery an enormous challenge for both them and their communities.
Physical and Mental Health
Right now, over 473 million children live in conflict zones, one in sixfive children globally. Wars strip them of basic rights, leaving many without food, medicine, education, or safe shelter. Constant displacement and attacks put them at risk of malnutrition and preventable diseases, while witnessing bombings, losing loved ones, and fleeing violence inflict invisible wounds that last long after the fighting stops.
Many children live in a state of constant overwhelming stress, unsure if each day might be their last. This relentless fear fuels anxiety, depression, nightmares, and behavioural struggles. Some become withdrawn; others express aggression or even turn to self-harm. Without timely support, the damage can be lifelong, affecting brain development, learning, and the ability to form healthy relationships well into adulthood.
Listen to the stories of these children:
Denial of Education
85 million children living in conflict areas are out of school. Low educational attainment is prevalent among children in conflicts, especially among girls.
Schools are often the target of attack which puts students and teachers at risk of death or injury, and causes students to attend school less often or drop out of schools. Even when the conflict ends, children usually cannot immediately return to school.
The denial of education has one of the most devastating impacts on children, robbing them of the knowledge and skills essential for survival, earning a livelihood, and helping to rebuild their countries and economies after war.
Sexual Violence and Early Marriage
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict-related sexual violence, making up over 95% of the 3,622 UN‑verified cases reported in the latest UN Secretary-General’s report. Of these, 1,186 victims were children, with girls accounting for 98% of those cases. Sexual violence is also committed against men, boys and LGBTIQ+ individuals, though such cases are vastly underreported due to stigma and fear.
Conflict-related sexual violence includes rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced pregnancy and other grave abuses. Survivors face devastating physical, psychological, and reproductive health consequences, yet access to medical care is often blocked as hospitals and health workers are targeted. Families in refugee communities sometimes force girls into early marriage, believing it offers protection, yet abuse and exploitation often continue within these unions.
Child Labour
Conflict often forces children to become the main or only breadwinner for their families. In refugee communities, children as young as six can end up working long hours in unsafe conditions for just a few dollars a day. Many take on roles as farm workers, street vendors, shop assistants, restaurant helpers or even on construction sites, work that robs them of education and childhood.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as “work that deprives children of their childhood, potential and dignity, and that is harmful to their physical and mental development.” Poverty, displacement, and the collapse of schools in conflict zones are major drivers, leaving children with no choice but to work. Globally, 160 million children are in child labour, with nearly half under 12 years old. Africa bears the heaviest burden, but the problem spans every region, deepening the long-term harm of war on children’s futures.
Source: UNHCR, UNICEF, United Nations, Save the Children
Why
Wars and conflicts occur every day across the world: in the Middle East, Africa, and many other regions. The causes are complex, intertwined with economic, political, and social factors. No single cause stands alone; rather, these drivers often reinforce one another.
Economic Factors: Competition Over Resources
Economic Factors: Competition Over Resources Natural resources such as oil, minerals, forests, water, and fertile land are essential for income, power, and even survival. When resources are poorly managed, unfairly distributed, or controlled unequally, conditions common in many developing countries, they often fuel instability and conflict.
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: armed conflict is driven largely by competition over valuable mineral resources.
Middle East: cross-border disputes are frequently rooted in competition for scarce water and farmland, alongside control of high-value oil reserves. Climate change and environmental degradation further intensify these pressures.
Political Factors
Political instability, power struggles, and weak governance are frequent triggers of conflict. When governments fail to maintain order, provide basic services, or include diverse groups in decision-making, tensions often escalate into violence.
Sudan Crisis: violent clashes between rival political and military factions have plunged the country into humanitarian catastrophe.
Social Factors: Ethnic and Religious Divisions
Ethnic identities and religious differences often create divisions that heighten tensions within societies. In some cases, ethnicity and religion overlap, making conflicts even more complex.
Rohingya Crisis (Myanmar): rooted in ethnic and religious persecution, leading to mass displacement.
Central African Republic Civil War: the conflict involves violent clashes between the predominantly Muslim Séléka rebels and the predominantly Christian Anti-Balaka militias. What began as a political struggle has evolved into deep ethnic and religious divisions, displacing hundreds of thousands and devastating communities across the country.
Religion can also play a dual role: while it sometimes drives violence, it can also serve as a foundation for peacebuilding. For example, extremist religious ideology has motivated terrorist attacks worldwide, yet faith-based initiatives are also central to reconciliation and conflict resolution.
Why
Wars and conflicts occur every day across the world: in the Middle East, Africa, and many other regions. The causes are complex, intertwined with economic, political, and social factors. No single cause stands alone; rather, these drivers often reinforce one another.
Economic Factors: Competition Over Resources
Economic Factors: Competition Over Resources Natural resources such as oil, minerals, forests, water, and fertile land are essential for income, power, and even survival. When resources are poorly managed, unfairly distributed, or controlled unequally, conditions common in many developing countries, they often fuel instability and conflict.
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: armed conflict is driven largely by competition over valuable mineral resources.
Middle East: cross-border disputes are frequently rooted in competition for scarce water and farmland, alongside control of high-value oil reserves. Climate change and environmental degradation further intensify these pressures.
Political Factors
Political instability, power struggles, and weak governance are frequent triggers of conflict. When governments fail to maintain order, provide basic services, or include diverse groups in decision-making, tensions often escalate into violence.
Sudan Crisis: violent clashes between rival political and military factions have plunged the country into humanitarian catastrophe.
Social Factors: Ethnic and Religious Divisions
Ethnic identities and religious differences often create divisions that heighten tensions within societies. In some cases, ethnicity and religion overlap, making conflicts even more complex.
Rohingya Crisis (Myanmar): rooted in ethnic and religious persecution, leading to mass displacement.
Central African Republic Civil War: the conflict involves violent clashes between the predominantly Muslim Séléka rebels and the predominantly Christian Anti-Balaka militias. What began as a political struggle has evolved into deep ethnic and religious divisions, displacing hundreds of thousands and devastating communities across the country.
Religion can also play a dual role: while it sometimes drives violence, it can also serve as a foundation for peacebuilding. For example, extremist religious ideology has motivated terrorist attacks worldwide, yet faith-based initiatives are also central to reconciliation and conflict resolution.
Where
These three countries have produced nearly half (48%) of the world’s refugees:
Whether willing or not, many neighbouring countries have been experiencing a mass influx of refugees. The top three recipient countries are:
These three countries have the highest numbers of internally displaced persons:
Source: UNHCR, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)
Where
These three countries have produced nearly half (48%) of the world’s refugees:
Whether willing or not, many neighbouring countries have been experiencing a mass influx of refugees. The top three recipient countries are:
These three countries have the highest numbers of internally displaced persons:
Source: UNHCR, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)
How We Help
Children are often the most vulnerable in times of armed conflict and violence. Our work aims to remove barriers to their survival and help them recover from the hardships of war.
Short term
1. Emergency Assistance
World Vision responds quickly to crises by providing refugees and displaced families with urgent aid, including food and cash support, health and nutrition services, clean water and sanitation, essential household supplies, and child protection programmes.
For example, in Sudan, Ukraine, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, ongoing conflicts have forced millions to flee their homes. World Vision is on the ground delivering life-saving assistance, with a focus on protecting children.
2. Child Friendly Spaces
In refugee camps and host communities, World Vision runs safe spaces where children can play, learn, and receive psychosocial support. These centres help children process distressing experiences and prevent long-term emotional harm.
Long term
1. Education and skills
Access to education is critical for children’s future. In host countries, displaced children often struggle to join the local school system. World Vision creates learning opportunities that equip children with knowledge, life skills, and hope for rebuilding their lives.
2. Health, Nutrition, and Livelihoods
World Vision provides training in health and nutrition to protect mothers and children. At the same time, we support livelihood initiatives so that refugees and internally displaced people can regain independence and resilience.
3. Peacebuilding and Community Engagement
World Vision promotes peacebuilding among children and young people, believing that societies can and should be made safer for children. As part of a global partnership, we work to end all forms of violence against children, advancing the conviction that no violence against children is justifiable, and all violence is preventable.
At the community level, we also engage residents in conflict mitigation, encouraging peaceful approaches to resolve disputes instead of resorting to violence.
How We Help
Children are often the most vulnerable in times of armed conflict and violence. Our work aims to remove barriers to their survival and help them recover from the hardships of war.
Short term
1. Emergency Assistance
World Vision responds quickly to crises by providing refugees and displaced families with urgent aid, including food and cash support, health and nutrition services, clean water and sanitation, essential household supplies, and child protection programmes.
For example, in Sudan, Ukraine, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, ongoing conflicts have forced millions to flee their homes. World Vision is on the ground delivering life-saving assistance, with a focus on protecting children.
2. Child Friendly Spaces
In refugee camps and host communities, World Vision runs safe spaces where children can play, learn, and receive psychosocial support. These centres help children process distressing experiences and prevent long-term emotional harm.
Long term
1. Education and skills
Access to education is critical for children’s future. In host countries, displaced children often struggle to join the local school system. World Vision creates learning opportunities that equip children with knowledge, life skills, and hope for rebuilding their lives.
2. Health, Nutrition, and Livelihoods
World Vision provides training in health and nutrition to protect mothers and children. At the same time, we support livelihood initiatives so that refugees and internally displaced people can regain independence and resilience.
3. Peacebuilding and Community Engagement
World Vision promotes peacebuilding among children and young people, believing that societies can and should be made safer for children. As part of a global partnership, we work to end all forms of violence against children, advancing the conviction that no violence against children is justifiable, and all violence is preventable.
At the community level, we also engage residents in conflict mitigation, encouraging peaceful approaches to resolve disputes instead of resorting to violence.
Gift Catalogue
Children in Conflict 
