UNICEF reports 35,000 children killed or maimed by explosive weapons in five years

UNICEF reported that more than 35,000 children were killed or maimed by explosive weapons between 2021 and 2025. An analysis titled Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas: Explosive Weapons and Child Casualties in Conflict – Five Key Facts used data from annual United Nations reports to track these casualties.

The study found that the proportion of child victims caused by explosive weapons rose from 54% in 2021 to over 72% in 2025. Approximately 97% of all people hit by explosive weapons were in populated areas. The highest numbers of child casualties occurred in conflicts in Palestine, Myanmar, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, and Somalia.

Drone attacks also contributed to the casualties, with more than 1,000 children verified as killed or maimed by drones during this five year period. In 2025 alone, drone-related child casualties were recorded in 13 conflict situations, contributing to a total of 415 children killed or maimed that year.

Andrea Iacomini, the spokesperson for UNICEF Italy, stated that governments and the press have a responsibility to highlight forgotten crises and emphasized the importance of respecting international law.