12 February 2026 – On the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, we reiterate the importance of protecting children from the ravages of war, as we witness the staggering scale of today’s conflicts and their devastating impact on children. One in five children worldwide lives in conflict-affected settings. Children are often the first and always the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict. Survivors endure severe physical and psychological trauma, prolonged displacement, and the disruption of education and livelihoods, consequences that can irreparably compromise their future prospects and overall well-being.
