The United Nations has reported a 30% rise in civilian casualties in Ukraine in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking a concerning escalation in the conflict’s human toll.
In a recent briefing to the UN Security Council, UN Political Affairs Chief Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, noting that the holiday and New Year season, traditionally a time for peace, instead saw an intensification and expansion of hostilities.
According to data from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), between February 2022 and December 2024, at least 12,456 civilians, including 669 children, lost their lives, with an additional 28,382 individuals, including 1,833 children, sustaining injuries.
The surge in child casualties is particularly distressing, as more children were killed or injured in the first three quarters of 2024 than in the entire year of 2023.
DiCarlo condemned all attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that such actions are prohibited under international law and must cease immediately.
Despite the grim statistics, there have been some positive developments. Prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine have continued, allowing more than 350 individuals to return home in recent weeks. However, concerns remain over reports of Ukrainian prisoners of war being executed by Russian forces, with the OHCHR documenting 62 such killings since August.
As the conflict approaches its third anniversary, global calls for de-escalation and the initiation of peace processes are intensifying. The international community is urging all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian laws to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
