Government forces were the leading perpetrators of violations against children in conflict zones in 2025, according to a United Nations report.
This shift marks a significant departure from historical trends in global warfare. For the first time in 30 years [2], state actors have surpassed non-state armed groups as the primary source of documented harm to children in these regions.
The findings were released at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The analysis indicates that state-linked armed groups were responsible for the majority of documented violations against children during 2025 [1].
Historically, the UN has identified rebel groups or non-state militias as the primary violators in conflict zones. The 2025 data reveals a trend where the machinery of the state, including national armies and government-affiliated forces, is more frequently implicated in these abuses.
While the report covers global conflict zones, the data emphasizes a systemic issue regarding the protection of minors during state-led military operations. The UN report highlights the urgency of holding state actors accountable under international law to prevent further atrocities against children [1].
These violations occur across various conflict theaters, where government forces are tasked with maintaining order or reclaiming territory. The report suggests that the lack of oversight within state military structures has contributed to the rise in abuses [2].
“Government forces were the leading perpetrators of violations against children in conflict zones in 2025.”
The transition of the primary perpetrator from non-state militias to government forces suggests a breakdown in state accountability and a possible increase in the use of indiscriminate force by national armies. Because states are signatories to international treaties, this trend may lead to increased diplomatic pressure and legal challenges in international courts to protect children in war zones.
