From Gaza to the Democratic Republic of Congo, violence against children in conflict zones reached "unprecedented levels" in 2024, a United Nations annual report said Thursday, writes France24.

"In 2024, violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels, with a staggering 25 percent surge in the number of grave violations in comparison with 2023”, according to the report from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The report verified 41,370 grave violations against children in 2024 - including 36,221 committed in 2024 and 5,149 committed previously but confirmed in 2024 - the highest number since the monitoring tool was established nearly 30 years ago. The new high beats 2023, another record year, which itself represented a 21 percent increase over the preceding year.

With more than 4,500 killed and 7,000 injured, children continue to bear "the brunt of relentless hostilities and indiscriminate attacks", the report said. There was also a marked increase in the number of child victims of multiple violations to 22,495.

"The cries of 22,495 innocent children who should be learning to read or play ball - but instead have been forced to learn how to survive gunfire and bombings - should keep all of us awake at night", said Virginia Gamba, special representative of the UN secretary-general for children and armed conflict.

"This must serve as a wake-up call. We are at the point of no return".

In its annual report, the UN compiles violations of the rights of children, those aged under 18, in some 20 conflict zones around the world. In its appendix, a "list of shame" calls out those responsible for these violations - a powerful coalition of Haitian gangs was added this year - which include child killings and mutilations, recruitment to violence, kidnappings, denial of humanitarian aid and sexual violence. The Israeli armed forces, which were named last year along with Palestinian militant group Hamas, remain on the list.