The UN’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier, described the recruitment and use of children in warfare as one of the most pervasive and damaging violations in conflict zones. She revealed that in 2024 alone, more than 7,400 children were verified as having been recruited or used by armed forces and armed groups. Over the past three decades, more than 220,000 children have been separated from armed groups through international efforts.
Nigeria was listed alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Syria and Myanmar as countries where grave violations against children remain widespread.
For over a decade, parts of northern Nigeria have faced persistent insecurity linked to insurgent activities. Armed groups, including Boko Haram and its splinter factions, have been accused of recruiting children to serve as fighters, informants and in other supporting roles. Although military operations have weakened some of these groups, humanitarian organisations warn that children in affected communities continue to face significant risks.
Frazier stressed that the statistics represent real children whose lives have been deeply disrupted. She noted that verified figures likely reflect only a portion of the true scale of the problem, as many cases go unreported or unconfirmed.
Her office currently monitors around 26 conflict situations worldwide, with the highest levels of violations recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria and Myanmar. Beyond gathering data, the United Nations also engages directly with armed groups to negotiate the release of children and support their safe return to society.
Once freed, agencies such as UNICEF and partner organisations focus on reintegration efforts. These include providing psychosocial support, facilitating access to education and helping children rebuild their lives. However, reintegration can be particularly challenging for girls, who often face stigma and discrimination within their communities after returning from captivity.
Frazier emphasised that prevention remains critical in ending child recruitment. Ensuring children have access to education significantly reduces their vulnerability, as those out of school are at greater risk of being coerced or forced into armed groups.
She also highlighted the importance of accountability, noting that prosecuting those responsible sends a strong deterrent message. Cases brought before national courts and the International Criminal Court have demonstrated that recruiting children for armed conflict can lead to serious legal consequences.
Reflecting on her visits to conflict-affected areas, including meetings with survivors of abductions in Nigeria, Frazier spoke of the heartbreaking realities faced by young victims. She described encounters with teenage girls caring for babies conceived during captivity, underscoring how conflict robs children of their innocence and formative years.
She concluded by stressing that safeguarding children through education, reintegration programmes and legal accountability is essential to fostering lasting peace and preventing future generations from being drawn into violence.
Nigeria was listed alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Syria and Myanmar as countries where grave violations against children remain widespread.
For over a decade, parts of northern Nigeria have faced persistent insecurity linked to insurgent activities. Armed groups, including Boko Haram and its splinter factions, have been accused of recruiting children to serve as fighters, informants and in other supporting roles. Although military operations have weakened some of these groups, humanitarian organisations warn that children in affected communities continue to face significant risks.
Frazier stressed that the statistics represent real children whose lives have been deeply disrupted. She noted that verified figures likely reflect only a portion of the true scale of the problem, as many cases go unreported or unconfirmed.
Her office currently monitors around 26 conflict situations worldwide, with the highest levels of violations recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria and Myanmar. Beyond gathering data, the United Nations also engages directly with armed groups to negotiate the release of children and support their safe return to society.
Once freed, agencies such as UNICEF and partner organisations focus on reintegration efforts. These include providing psychosocial support, facilitating access to education and helping children rebuild their lives. However, reintegration can be particularly challenging for girls, who often face stigma and discrimination within their communities after returning from captivity.
Frazier emphasised that prevention remains critical in ending child recruitment. Ensuring children have access to education significantly reduces their vulnerability, as those out of school are at greater risk of being coerced or forced into armed groups.
She also highlighted the importance of accountability, noting that prosecuting those responsible sends a strong deterrent message. Cases brought before national courts and the International Criminal Court have demonstrated that recruiting children for armed conflict can lead to serious legal consequences.
Reflecting on her visits to conflict-affected areas, including meetings with survivors of abductions in Nigeria, Frazier spoke of the heartbreaking realities faced by young victims. She described encounters with teenage girls caring for babies conceived during captivity, underscoring how conflict robs children of their innocence and formative years.
She concluded by stressing that safeguarding children through education, reintegration programmes and legal accountability is essential to fostering lasting peace and preventing future generations from being drawn into violence.
