Sharp Increase in Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Worldwide

Sharp Increase in Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Worldwide
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A new report by the United Nations has revealed a significant and disturbing increase in conflict-related sexual violence across the globe, Shia Waves Persian reported. According to the UN’s Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, the number of verified cases rose by a staggering 25% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with over 4,600 cases documented. This crisis disproportionately affects women and girls, who account for more than 90% of the victims.

The report, presented during a special session of the UN Security Council, noted a particularly alarming trend: a 35% increase in sexual violence against children. Victims range in age from as young as one year old to 75 years old.

The highest number of cases was reported in the Central African Republic, Congo, Haiti, Somalia, and South Sudan. The UN warned that the actual number of incidents is likely a significant undercount, as many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, and limited access to support services in conflict zones.

Other key findings from the report highlight the strategic use of sexual violence by both state and non-state actors as a tactic of war, torture, and political repression. The report also notes that displaced and refugee women and girls face heightened risks, as their vulnerability is exploited in their search for safety. Additionally, sexual violence continues to be perpetrated in both formal and informal detention settings. The UN called on governments and international bodies to ensure accountability for these crimes and to provide essential services to survivors, warning that funding for critical aid programs is insufficient to meet the rising needs.