More children are being killed and injured by explosive weapons than at any point in modern history, a landmark report has found. It finds that explosive weapons – mainly state owned – were responsible for more than 60 per cent of all conflict-related child deaths and injuries between 2020 and 2024. In total, there were almost 50,000 casualties, equivalent to 200 passenger planes full of children.
The carnage is being driven by an increase in the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas; the spread of new munitions, such as glide bombs, which pack huge explosive power; and the erosion of key principles of the rules of law.
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Source: The Telegraph News
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