A recent UN report shows a grim development in conflicts around the world. Last year, 33,400 civilians were killed in armed conflicts. That is 72 percent more than the previous year. About a third were children. The UNDP Global Policy Center for Governance has prepared the report in collaboration with a number of UN organisations. Director Arvinn Gadgil is concerned about the development. – There is no doubt that the war in Gaza accounts for a large proportion of this increase. But these are figures recorded up to and including November last year. There is therefore reason to imagine, unfortunately, that these numbers will increase even more. Almost 39,000 people have so far been killed in Gaza since the war began on 7 October. These figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Changed warfare If you look at conflicts beyond Gaza, however, the trend is similar, according to the report. – Where over several decades you have seen a decline in the number of civilians killed in conflict, this is now taking a dramatic turn. Arvinn Gadgil is director of the UNDP Global Policy Center for Governance. Photo: UNDP The change began two or three years ago, according to Gadgil, but has accelerated recently. It is both about an increase in the number of conflicts and changed warfare. – It is conducted in areas with a large concentration of civilians, and the intensity is high. It takes a long time, and it is difficult to get away and escape. As a result, civilians are hit hard, and children in particular. – Anywhere where there is conflict and violence, there is a risk that children will be killed. And especially when parties in conflict do not pay particular attention to protecting civilians. Graves made for those killed in an airstrike in Kharkiv last October. Photo: Alex Babenko / AP Journalists exposed The report also looks at murders of journalists. The number of journalists and media workers killed doubled from 2021 to 2023, from 20 to 40 killed. In 2022, 28 journalists were killed. – It is a serious trend. This is probably underreported, but there is full agreement that the doubling is a reality. The UN also believes this is due to an increase in the number of conflicts and changed warfare. – Protection is taken less seriously by warring parties than what should be expected of them. This is also a trend. There are many warring parties who manage to do their part to protect journalists, and there are also some who do not do enough. Published 17.07.2024, at 19.46 Updated 17.07.2024, at 19.50
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Civilian deaths increased by 72 percent last year – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
