The United Nations observed the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, highlighting a doubling of verified cases to nearly 10,000 in 2025, including a 35% surge against children as young as one.

This year’s focus on safeguarding kids and empowering caregivers comes amid brutal acts in places like Ukraine, Sudan, and South Sudan, where women and girls made up over 95% of victims.

Secretary-General António Guterres called protecting children a legal and moral imperative, he wrote: “As conflicts escalate across the globe, a shocking number of girls & boys fall victim to sexual violence.

“Children must never be targets in war. Protecting them is a legal & moral imperative for every combatant & every country.”