Children's Rights Watch

Although large-scale fighting has subsided in Syria, unexploded ordnance (UXO) left from years of war continues to endanger lives and communities. As families try to rebuild their lives and return to their hometowns, this threat grows bigger than ever. Children’s natural curiosity puts them at a larger risk than adults and makes them more vulnerable to this threat. Unexploded ordnance scattered across communities can turn everyday exploration and play into a deadly encounter. According to data gathered by Children's Rights Watch, in December 2024 alone, 116 children were killed or injured by explosive remnants of war. In 2025, over 100 children have suffered the same fate. Children’s Rights Watch presents a new report examining this threat posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) to children in Syria. Read the full report below.

Children’s Rights Watch reports the killing of eleven members of the Abu Shaaban family — including seven children — in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood on Friday (16/10/25). According to witness accounts and local sources, the family’s vehicle was struck by an Israeli tank shell (likely from a Merkava Mk 4's MG253 Main Gun) while returning to inspect their home during an active ceasefire. This incident represents one of the deadliest breaches of the current truce and a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The deliberate or reckless targeting of civilians, particularly children, cannot be justified under any circumstances. Children’s Rights Watch calls for an independent investigation into the attack and immediate measures by all parties to ensure the protection of children during and beyond ceasefire periods. The safety of children must be the first and non-negotiable measure of peace. #ChildrenInConflict #ChildProtection #Gaza #HumanRights #Accountability #InternationalLaw Image Source: Children's Rights Watch; Google Earth; Jack Guez / AFP via Getty Images

Children's Rights Watch reports that on the 30th of September and the 3rd of October, violent attacks struck the administrative posts of Lúrio and Chipene in Mozambique. Over 51 homes, a church, and a Complete Primary School (EPC) were destroyed, along with school furniture and materials from another nearby institution. Although no casualties have yet been confirmed, the impact on local children is profound. The destruction of homes and schools strips them of safety, stability, and access to education — something that is becoming all too regular in the Cabo Delgado Region of Mozambique. In times of crisis, education must be protected and prioritized. Rebuilding school infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and restoring access to learning are urgent steps to safeguard children’s rights and prevent long-term setbacks to community resilience. Every effort to protect education is an investment in peace, stability, and the future of Mozambique’s children. Additional Sources: Club of Mozambique #mozambique #children #childrensrights #humanrights #cabodelgado

Over the past week, Children’s Rights Watch documented six incidents across multiple armed conflicts that resulted in the deaths of 27 children and injuries to at least 6 others. The average age of the children affected was less than 5 years. In these same incidents, 106 other civilian were also reported killed. Among the six incidents recorded, four were airstrikes and two were artillery strikes. These figures serve as a stark reminder that civilians — especially children — continue to face unacceptable risks in situations of armed conflict. All parties must take immediate measures to prevent harm to civilians and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. The map below highlights the countries where these incidents occurred, reflecting the continued spread and impact of hostilities on civilian populations. #ChildrenUnderAttack #HumanRights #ChildProtection #Accountability #HumanitarianResponse

Children’s Rights Watch is closely monitoring reports and evidence showing that Colombian mercenaries are operating in Sudan and actively training child soldiers for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ongoing conflict in Sudan has already placed hundreds of thousands children at extreme risk, exposing them to violence, displacement, famine, and disruption of education and essential services. In the past month alone, Children's Rights Watch reported and documented 4 separate incidents that resulted in the death of 33 children in Sudan. On top of all this tragedy and misery, innocent children are also being force to fight wars not of their choosing. The protection of children in war is not only a legal imperative but a moral duty that demands immediate attention from governments, international organizations, and civil society alike. 📘 Take look at our short report below. #ChildRights #Sudan #HumanRights #EndChildSoldiers #InternationalLaw #ChildrenInConflict #Accountability

In the past month, Children’s Rights Watch reported 18 incidents where children were killed by Airstrikes in conflict areas across the world. CRW reported a total of 85 children killed, some younger than 1 year of age. Out of 18 total airstrikes, the IDF conducted 9 — 8 by fighter jets and 1 by a drone. These strikes caused 43 child deaths, over 50% of all airstrike-related fatalities. Which aircraft does the Israeli Air Force (IAF) typically use in airstrikes? Or in other roles? Take a look at our publication to better understand this issue.

Over the past week, 39 children have been killed in conflict zones around the world. The highest numbers were reported in Sudan (18 children, 46%), Gaza (11 children, 28%), Myanmar (6 children, 15%), and Ukraine (4 children, 10%). The average age of the children killed was just 8.25 years, with some victims less than one year old. The leading causes of death were airstrikes (15 children, 38%), artillery fire (12 children, 31%), and famine (12 children, 31%). Famine is a particularly devastating consequence of war: children are often the first to suffer when food supplies are cut off, facing severe malnutrition and starvation. These figures are compiled by Children’s Rights Watch, which continues to monitor and report on the impact of conflict on children. It is important to note that the real number of child casualties is likely higher than reported, as many incidents go unreported or take time to be confirmed.

In the first weeks of reporting and data gathering by Children’s Rights Watch, 89 children were killed and more than 30 injured in conflict zones around the world. Airstrikes carried out by fighter jets (exact model unconfirmed) were the primary cause of child fatalities, accounting for 42 deaths (47%) and 8 injuries (27%). Drone strikes, also with the exact models not yet identified, were the second leading cause, responsible for 24 deaths (27%). Artillery strikes were the third most significant cause, killing 6 children (7%). These figures reflect only the incidents that have been reported and verified during the initial weeks of monitoring. The real numbers are likely higher, as many incidents remain unreported or casualty figures are updated only after significant delays. These numbers illustrate the devastating toll of explosive weapons on children in conflict zones, showing how airstrikes, drones, and artillery continue to cause death and injury at alarming rates.

Child Fatalities in Conflict Areas (12 September – 3 October 2025) Since 12 September 2025, 86 children have been killed in conflict-affected areas, according to data compiled by Children’s Rights Watch (CRW). The actual number is likely much higher, as many incidents are not reported or are reported only later. The highest numbers were recorded in Gaza (29 deaths), Sudan (25), and Myanmar (9), which together account for 73% of the total fatalities during this period. The primary cause of death was airstrikes, which resulted in 70 child fatalities (81%). Famine-related causes accounted for 10 deaths (12%), reflecting the reverberating effects of armed conflict on essential services, food systems, and humanitarian access. An additional six children (7%) were killed by artillery fire, highlighting the continued use of explosive weapons in civilian-populated areas. The data underscores the severe and multifaceted impact of armed conflict on children, both through direct attacks and indirect consequences such as famine. It also reflects ongoing failures by the parties involved in these conflicts to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. #gaza #ukraine #sudan #myanmar #haiti #pakistan #humanrights #childrensrights

A couple and their two children were killed in a Russian drone strike on Ukraine's Sumy on Tuesday, according to the regional governor. The drone hit a residential building in the village of Chernechchyna, said Governor Oleh Hryhorov, in what he called a "targeted strike". The bodies of two adults and their two children aged 6 and 4 were pulled from the rubble of their home by rescue workers, he added. Another 60-year-old was also killed elsewhere in Sumy, in the Shalyginsk community, according to the Regional Military Administration. Image Sources: Google Maps; Ukraine Emergency Services.