Drones, artillery and urban combat: UN warns of new threats to children

In 2025, the UN recorded 38,558 serious violations affecting 24,174 children, the highest since the UN’s mandate on children and armed conflict was established. The report highlights a 34% increase in child fatalities and a 10% rise in injuries, with residential areas, schools, and hospitals targeted by explosive drones, artillery, and airstrikes. It warns about the growing use of artificial intelligence in military operations, which increases the risk of errors and limits human oversight, calling for strict regulation and protection of inhabited zones. The Democratic Republic of Congo is among the most affected countries, with 4,114 violations in 2025, though the report does not specify the part related to new technologies.