NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations has issued a warning that worldwide initiatives to eliminate violence against children remain behind schedule for the 2030 deadline. This evaluation arrives two decades after the landmark UN study on violence targeting children. According to a recent progress report, conflicts, displacement, climate-related threats, and digital abuse have all increased the dangers to child protection. Najat Maalla M’jid, serving as the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, compiled this latest review. The report will be examined at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly later this month.
According to the report, nearly 19% of children globally now reside in conflict zones, a significant rise from approximately 10% in the 1990s. By the conclusion of 2024, conflict and violence had caused displacement for 48.8 million children worldwide, almost tripling the roughly 17 million displaced children recorded in 2010. The figure includes refugee and asylum-seeking minors, alongside millions displaced within their own countries due to violence and conflict.
Climate-related hazards are further increasing the risks children face across the globe. Almost half of all children—1.1 billion—are exposed to at least three overlapping climate threats. Nearly every child experiences at least one such danger, according to UNICEF’s 2026 climate risk assessment. Over 4 million children are exposed to as many as six concurrent hazards, which include drought, extreme heat, heatwaves, floods, fires, tropical storms, and sand and dust storms.
Digital environment amplifies child protection challenges
The UN assessment indicates that the expansion of digital spaces has introduced new threats for children. Data shows that roughly one in three internet users worldwide is under 18. Annually, over 300 million children are subjected to online sexual exploitation and abuse, as cited by the UN office. Additionally, at least 1.2 million children reported that artificial intelligence had transformed their images into sexually explicit deepfakes over the past year. Other digital risks include cyberbullying, fraud, identity theft, trafficking, and exposure to harmful content.
A 2025 survey conducted by M’jid’s office gathered input from over 30,000 children from all regions. Among respondents, 66% believed that cyberbullying had increased, and half of the children were unaware of where or how to report such incidents or seek support. The report also highlights threats like hate speech, privacy breaches, and criminal recruitment online. The development of artificial intelligence tools has introduced new dangers, including deepfakes, automated targeting, and manipulated digital content.
UN advocates for enhanced prevention strategies and protective measures
The report emphasizes the necessity of a coordinated strategy focused on prevention, protection, participation, and accountability. Recommendations include establishing national policies aimed at eradicating all forms of violence against children. It also advocates for legal prohibitions, improved data collection, and increased investment in child protection infrastructure. The UN suggests digital safeguards such as reinforced privacy and safety measures across platforms and artificial intelligence systems. Furthermore, it promotes accessible mechanisms for reporting abuse and ensuring children’s active involvement in decisions that impact their safety.
Since July 2019, M’jid has been serving as the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children. Her tenure has included 65 visits to various countries and meetings with senior officials at national and local levels. Her engagements have involved 35 heads of state, heads of government, or their deputies, along with 728 ministers and senior officials. The latest assessment also estimates a $393 billion annual global economic cost resulting from lost human capital related to mental health issues among children. The UN’s review underscores that progress toward the 2030 target to end violence against children remains insufficient.