More than 41,000 incidents of violence against school -aged children were reported by the UN in 2024.

The countries with the highest violations were Israel and the Palestinian territory occupied, notably the Gaza Strip, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somalia, Nigeria and Haiti.

In a message to mark the International day to protect educationCommemorated each year on September 9, the secretary general of the United Nations, António Guterres said That “each violation has deep consequences, not only for teachers and young learners, but for the future of communities and whole countries”, adding that “no child should risk death from learning”.

The UN chiefAnnual report on Children and armed conflictFor 2024, not only underlines an resurgence of attacks against schools, but also an increase of 34% of rape and other forms of sexual violence perpetrated against children.

In addition, the number of children victims of what the UN calls serious violations has increased by 17% due to kidnapping, recruitment and other types of violence, characterized by the UN as “an alarming escalation of brutality”.

Children of Gaza deprived of the right to education

In Gaza, where more than 2.3 million people were moved by the two -year war, 660,000 children remain outside the school and the classrooms have been converted into shelters.

“There is no more education now. We live inside the school, where we are moved, eating and sleeping, “said Diana, a child living in Gaza.

Despite the current conflict, more than 68,000 children in Gaza have been affected by temporary learning spaces offering psychosocial education and support.

The UN children’s funds, UnicefAlso recycle the pallets in school furniture and the conversion of boxes provided in tables and chairs.

Obstacles to education in Ukraine

In Ukraine, 5.3 million children face obstacles to education, and around 115,000 are completely outside the school due to the current war.

“1,850 installations have been damaged since the start of the conflict,” said Nelson Rodrigues, specialist in UNICEF education.

With many schools on the front line closed or operating remotely, more than 420,000 children frequent the school entirely online, while a million use a hybrid model.

UNICEF supported the rehabilitation of 57,000 school facilities affected by the war, which has enabled a considerable number of children to return to class.

The United Nations agency has also provided catch -up and repair learning, allowing children to recover from disturbances and continue their studies.

Meanwhile, between January and July this year, the UN and its humanitarian partners supported 370,000 children and teachers, mainly on the front line and in reception communities.

Respect schools

The parties faced all over the world are forced under international law, to respect schools as security places and to hold responsible for attacks on attacks.

“The pen, the book and the classroom are all more powerful than the sword,” said UN Guterres secretary general.

“Let us continue and protect the fundamental right of each child to learn in security and peace.”

“” The world spends much more to wage war than to build peace»The UN Secretary General António Guterres said during a press briefing for his new report On the threat posed by the constant increase in military spending.

Security expenditure has increased in the five global regions in 2024, marking the most steep increase from one year to the next for at least the last three decades. Compared to the 2.7 billions of dollars intended for military budgets, the world could eliminate extreme poverty for a little less than $ 300 billion.

“” A safer world begins by investing at least as much in the fight against poverty as in the fight against wars »» said Mr. Guterres.

A choice between help or weapons

The alarming amount spent on costs related to weapons last year is 750 times the regular budget of 2024 from the United Nations. It also has almost 13 times the development aid provided by the OECD Development aid committee in 2024, indicating a brutal compromise between military spending and sustainable development.

“Redirection even a fraction of today’s military spending could fill the vital gaps – Put children in school, strengthen primary health care, expand clean energy and resilient infrastructure and protect the most vulnerable, “said Guterres.

For a small part of what has been invested in the military in the past year-and the previous decade-the world could finance education for each student in medium-sized and low income countries, eliminate children’s malnutrition on a global scale, finance the adaptation of climate change in the world in development and bring the international community to achieve the adaptation of climate change in the world in development and bring the international community climate to the world development and bring the international community closer to achieve the adaptation of climate change in the world in development and bring the international community together to achieve adaptation Sustainable development objectives (ODD), the UN estimates.

“The rebalancing of global priorities is not optional – it is an imperative for the survival of humanity,” said the head of the United Nations Disarmament Izumi Nakamitsu during the press briefing.

“Sustainable development is in danger”

With only one of the five ODs on the right track, Mr. Guterres stressed that “our shared sustainable development promise is in danger”.

While more is spent for the military, the less spent on social investment, poverty reduction, education, health, environmental protection and infrastructure – hinders the progress of almost all SDGs and undermines The Charter of the United NationsThe UN Cornerstone document.

“But we know that development is an engine of security and multilateral development cooperation work,” said the United Nations Development Program (Predict) The deputy chief Haoliang XU.

“When people’s life improves, when they have access to education, health care, economic opportunities and when they can live a life of dignity and determination of self-determination, We will have more peaceful societies and a more peaceful world. “”

A new security approach

“Investing in people invested in the first line of defense against violence in any society,” said Guterres.

The report calls for a more centered and multidimensional approach that prioritizes diplomacy, international cooperation and opens the way to sustainable development.

In a vicious circle, the lack of economic opportunities, poverty and underdevelopment generate instability-fuel violence and an increase in army spending on the United Nations.

Investing in sustainable development and security has the potential to stop today’s arms race and reduce the need for military spending.

“” The proof is clear: excessive military expenditure does not guarantee peace“Said Mr. Guterres.” It often undermines him – nourish arms races, increase distrust and divert the resources from the very foundations of stability. »»

Shortly after presenting a compulsory report to Human Rights Council In Geneva on Tuesday, president of the mission of teaching the facts on Sudan, Mohamed Chande Othman, insisted that The Sudanese Armed Forces militia (SAF) and rapid support forces (RSF) had made crimes of atrocity.

Among the testimonies gathered for the report, the survivors of RSF detention sites described the locations as “slaughterhouses”.

Tortured, marked, refused medical care

In a notorious RSF establishment, dozens of detainees died between June and October of this year after being tortured, refused food and medical care, said independent rights expert.

Similarly, in the detention establishments managed by SAF, “civilians were also subjected to torture, including an electric shock, sexual abuse and they were held in cells so overcrowded that some prisoners had to sleep,” he added.

Furthermore, Girls as young as 12 were forced to get married“Sometimes under the threat of death for their families”, the president of the mission who is declining.

“Men and boys have also been subjected to sexualized torture and such acts are rooted in racism, prejudices and impunity and they devastate entire communities.”

Stressing the lack of diplomatic solutions to the conflict that started in April 2023, and its massive impact of war on civilians, the co-author Mona Rishmawi report insisted that “everyone knows that you cannot rape, you cannot plunder, you cannot destroy goods. You cannot starve people … but If there is no responsibility, of course, they will continue to do so. “”

Extermination objective

When asked why the report had decided not to describe what happened in Sudan as a genocide, Ms. Rishmawi replied that evidence “examines essentially more or less the same type of violations as genocide”.

She added: “You kill, [you provide] No food, no water, you do not allow food production. You do not allow access to food, markets … and you do not allow access to humanitarian aid. What you want is killing the population … so, The effect of this is really the crime against humanity … of extermination. “”

Hunger crisis

The investigation organization created by the Human Rights Council in October 2023 underlined the devastating humanitarian emergency which resulted from the war.

“In travel camps such as Zamzam and Abu Shouk, Witnesses describe children who die of hunger and dehydration in the streetsIncluding people eating animal food, “said Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, an expert member of the fact teaching mission.

Addressing the Council earlier, the president of the mission who has the search for facts, Mr. Othman, insisted on the fact that war “destroyed not only lives, but also the means of survival”, with hospitals, markets, water and electrical systems – and even humanitarian convoys – systematically attacked.

“The markets, the backpack of food access, have been bombed several times,” he said, adding that in October 2024, SAF air strikes on El Koma Market killed at least 45 civilians.

Die of thirst

“Two months later, the Kabkabiya market was struck, killing more than 100. In March of this year, SAF bombed the Tora market during rush hour, killing and injuring hundreds.”

The mission report underlined how the RSF had also bombed the markets, pitted entire areas and destroyed the Zamzam camp market.

The RSF drone strikes struck the Merowe dam and the water towers, Leave communities without drinking waterWhile “a mother told us that she had lost her four children thirsty by fleeing,” said Othman, who, like the other members of the panel, is an independent human rights expert and not a member of the UN staff.

The troubles, which began on Monday as a self -proclaimed “demonstration of generation Z” against creeping corruption, nepotism and borders on social networks, quickly increased after the security forces responded forcefully.

Most of the dead and injured were young demonstrators slaughtered by police. Many remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Tuesday, demonstrations were spread across the country, with government buildings, political parties offices and even parliament in Kathmandu.

Some focus of political leaders have been attacked, invaded police stations and the international airport has been closed.

The Prime Minister was allegedly evacuated by helicopter from his official residence and his resignation was announced shortly after.

Several ministers at the federal and provincial level – as well as the members of the Parliament – also resigned to protest against the treatment of demonstrations, deepening political benefits.

Violence is not the answer

Expressing a deep concern in the face of deaths and rapid deterioration, UN Human Rights Head Volker Türk warned that “violence is not the answer” and called on the authorities and demonstrators to defuse the crisis in a spiral.

In a statement From Geneva, Türk said he was “dismayed by the escalation of violence” and “the useless and disproportionate use of force” against largely young demonstrators.

“” Dialogue is the best and the only way to respond to the concerns of the Nepalese people. It is important that the votes of young people are heard“, He said, urging the two security forces to show restraint and demonstrators to refrain from destructive acts.

While condemning the repression, he also expressed his concern concerning violence by certain demonstrators.

“I am disturbed by the reports of public buildings, companies and private residences attacked and, in some cases, I set fire. Likewise, I am concerned with physical attack reports against senior officials. ”

The echoes of the UN chief call for restraint

The secretary general’s spokesman said on Tuesday’s daily briefing for journalists in New York that the UN chief “was closely followed by the situation.”

Stéphane Dujarric said that António Guterres was “very saddened by the loss of life” and reiterated his call for restraint to prevent a new escalation.

“” Authorities must comply with international human rights law and demonstrations must take place peacefully that respects life and property“Said Mr. Dujarric, noting the dramatic images emerging from Nepal.

Call for quick surveys

THE United Nations Country team in Nepal Echo these calls, extending condolences to the families of the dead and urging the authorities to ensure that the responses to the police remain “proportionate and in accordance with international human rights standards”.

“” Freedom of expression, access to information and the peaceful assembly are fundamental rights protected by Nepalese and international law“, The United Nations team said.

“All allegations of excessive use of force should be studied quickly independently, transparent and impartial,” he added.

Mobilization led by young people

The demonstrations mark the latest and most intense in a series of mobilizations led by young people in Nepal in recent years. Students and young professionals have repeatedly descended into the street to demand responsibility for the political class.

Monday’s demonstrations saw thousands of people walking in the capital, Kathmandu and other cities bearing signs calling for the end of transplant and nepotism.

But the demonstrations became violent while the security forces moved to the scattered crowd, leaving at least 19 dead and hundreds injured, according to the media.

Deaths have fueled widespread anger and diaspora communities organized solidarity rallies abroad.

Tuesday afternoon, the demonstrators stormed Parliament, the Supreme Court and Singh Durbar, the central administrative complex of Kathmandu, set fire to certain parts.

The reports indicate that the demonstrators also targeted the president’s residences, former prime ministers and ministers, and that some prison prisoners escaped after the police abandoned their positions.

No ready with support

Türk High Commissioner calls on all games to avoid a new escalationRecalling the history of Nepal to get out of the conflict to forge peaceful democratic institutions.

“” The world admired the emergence of Nepal of a conflict to become a peaceful democracy“He said.

“With the United Nations system, my office is ready to support dialogue and strengthening measures that can help defuse tensions and restore confidence.”

The United Nations team in Nepal reinforced this messagestressing that “The votes of young Nepalese were heard strong and strongAnd warning that sustainable stability will depend on the concrete steps to approach the deep causes of their grievances.

The attack on Yarova injured almost 20 others. Many elderly civilians have decided to stay at home in front -line communities, despite climbing the danger of the continuous offensive of Russia, said deputy secretary general Matthias SchmaleThe best humanitarian official of the UN in the country.

“This lasting violence continues to tear lives. In recent days, the Donetsk region has increased by victims and civil damage as hostilities have intensified, “he said in a statement.

“On behalf of the United Nations and the humanitarian community, we stick with all the families who cry their loved ones and with all the injuries. The attacks affecting civilians during their daily life are inadmissible. ”

“Relentless” attacks against health care

The ambulances attacked, the sick patients chronically devoid of care and no peace in sight: for millions of Ukrainians, the prospect of another winter of war is only the last challenge for life or death which they face, the United Nations Health Agency (WHOsaid on Tuesday.

Speaking of Kyiv in the wake of deadly strikes on the Ukrainian capital by Russia on Sunday, which is representative in the country, Dr. Jarno Habicht, told journalists in Geneva that more than 800 drones and missiles were involved in the last attack, which makes it one of the most important since the start of the war in February 2022.

“It’s a reality [which] Many humanitarian workers, humanitarian, but above all, millions of Ukrainians live day and night, “he said.

Front line

Dr. Habicht described his recent mission in the Zaporizhzhia region which he said had suffered “relentless” attacks, including health care.

“” Strikes are continuous“, He insisted, explaining that who constantly provides medical kits to establishments where patients suffering from trauma receive care. Unfortunately we have daily injuries across Ukraine, “he said.

The OMS officials underlined a 12% increase in annual sliding of attacks affecting health infrastructure in the country. One in four attacks is against an ambulance, he said.

“If we think of non-war environments, when someone calls an ambulance, it is for a reason … it is for a reason for life and death,” he said. ” But In Ukraine, ambulances are attacked. “”

According to the UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Office, OchhaVictims of the latest attacks were reported in a number of other cities on Monday, including Odesa, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih and Kherson. Strikes have also targeted energy infrastructure, disturbing energy and water supply before the winter season, Ochha said.

“We have to prepare for a winter at war because we do not see peace in sight”, “ Dr. Habicht insisted.

After his visit to Zaporizhzhia and his discussion with the authorities and health workers there, he underlined the need to keep the heating stations open when approaching the cold season and to ensure that drinking water is available in health establishments.

Dr. Habicht also underlined the magnitude of the burden of the mental health of the conflict, which “will remain for generations”.

Urgent needs

According to the latest assessment of WHO health needs in Ukraine in April, seven out of 10 people said mental health problems, anxiety, depression and serious stress in the last 12 months, “directly linked to attacks on civil infrastructure”.

The WHO representative added that by visiting the hospital services on Monday in Zaporizhzhia, he saw a number of men and women over the age of 60 who need rehabilitation after having undergone a stroke. “All other diseases continue at the time of war,” he said, stressing that “recovery cannot expect” patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Increased funding is necessary for the humanitarian response in Ukraine and to support recovery and catering efforts. But only 35.5% of the required resources (around 46 million dollars) were made available for humanitarian partners, allowing WHO and its partners to reach a million people on its three million objectives.