Violence against women in armed conflicts rising: UN Report

A new report from the United Nations revealed an increase in violence against women in armed conflicts, with the proportion of women killed doubling in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Women now account for 40 per cent of all deaths in war, while reported cases of conflict-related sexual violence surged by 50 percent.

The report, part of the Secretary-General’s annual assessment on women, peace, and security, highlights that over 33,000 civilian deaths were recorded in armed conflicts last year—a 72 per cent increase from 2022. 

The majority of these fatalities occurred in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, marking this region as the deadliest conflict for civilians in 2023.

Access to healthcare for women in war zones is also critically limited. The report indicates that around 500 women and girls in conflict-affected areas die daily from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. 

Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, stated, “Women continue to pay the price of the wars of men,” emphasising a broader assault on women's rights, which is particularly lethal in conflict settings.

In 2023, women comprised less than 10 percent of negotiators in over 50 peace processes globally, despite evidence that their involvement leads to more durable peace agreements.

A significant barrier to progress is the lack of funding for initiatives that support women's rights. 

While global military spending reached an unprecedented $2.44 trillion in 2023, funding for women’s rights organisations averages only 0.3 per cent of total aid.

Investments in gender-based violence prevention and response constitute less than one percent of all humanitarian spending.

The report calls for urgent action and increased funding to ensure women's meaningful participation in peace and security efforts.