The year 2024 was the year of elections, as the world saw a significant number of nations going to the polling booth, more than any other year.
Worst Year For Children
This, however, was also the year that saw a monumental number of suffering that carried forward from 2023 into 2024, magnifying its magnitude, and exacerbating a situation that was never good to start with.
According to a report from the United Nations United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund or UNICEF 2024, which has seen the worst temperature and climatic conditions also has another unfortunate laurel to its head. This year according to the international agency was the worst year for children affected by conflict.
Over 473 million children were affected by conflicts around the globe.
The ambit of chaos only increased further, devouring more children year, than in 2023.
According to UNICEF, these children were displaced in the face of conflict. Many of their rights were violated in this period. Many were killed or sustained acute injuries.
Homes in parts of Lebanon have been massively damaged and are littered with unexploded ordnance.
With our partners, UNICEF is prioritizing protecting children from these hazards, and helping families rebuild their lives.
Sustained peace is vital for children’s well-being. pic.twitter.com/kB5yo8cXbH
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) December 28, 2024
Deadliest Year For Aid Workers
Suffering had other faces as well, as these children missed out on school, were left malnourished, and most importantly of all, were left with no childhood. They have deprived of essentials including safe water, food and appropriate healthcare.
2024 has been the bloodiest on record for humanitarian professionals, with the recorded fatalities of 281 relief workers worldwide, exceeding previous records.
A record number of children impacted by conflict are having their rights brutally violated.
UNICEF is calling for all parties to conflict, and for those with influence over them, to take decisive action to end the suffering of children. pic.twitter.com/7NsDhqHanl
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) December 28, 2024
As per the agency’s own estimates, more than one in six globally—now live in conflict-ridden areas.
The territories that have been severely affected include Haiti, Lebanon, Myanmar, Palestine, and Sudan.
As the global GDP is slated to grow at around 3.2-3.4 per cent in 2024 and 2025, the realm of crises is also on the rise.
The world’s GDP is also expected to be around 104 trillion by the end of 2024.
“This must not be the new normal.” – @unicefchief
In 2025, we must do more to turn the tide and save and improve the lives of children.
Full statement: https://t.co/InCsNiXwJi pic.twitter.com/keO0W9hGqU
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) December 28, 2024
In a statement, the UN chief Antonio Guterres said, “This must not be the new normal”
