ConflictViolence – UN Reports Sharp Rise in Wartime Sexual Violence Worldwide
ConflictViolence – Verified incidents of sexual violence linked to armed conflicts increased dramatically across the world in 2025, according to a newly released report from the United Nations. The findings reveal a troubling escalation in abuses committed during conflicts, with women and girls accounting for the overwhelming majority of victims. The report highlights the growing use of sexual violence in war zones and areas affected by political instability, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety and accountability.
Cases More Than Double in One Year
The annual report presented by the UN Secretary-General shows that 9,788 verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence were recorded in 2025. This marks a significant increase from the 4,617 cases documented in 2024. The report, submitted to the UN Security Council, describes many of the incidents as exceptionally severe and notes that the rise reflects an alarming trend across multiple conflict-affected regions.
Despite the sharp increase in documented cases, the United Nations cautioned that the actual scale of abuse is likely much higher. Many incidents remain unreported because ongoing violence, insecurity, population displacement, and limited access for humanitarian organizations make it difficult to gather evidence and support survivors.
Reporting Challenges Continue
The report emphasizes that obtaining accurate information remains a major challenge in conflict zones. Restrictions on humanitarian operations, shrinking international missions, and budget reductions have affected monitoring efforts. Specialized programs focused on women’s protection and gender-based violence prevention have often been among the first areas impacted by funding constraints.
As a result, experts believe that thousands of additional cases may never be formally documented, leaving many survivors without recognition or assistance.
State and Non-State Actors Identified
This year’s report covers verified information from 21 countries affected by conflict. It identifies 77 parties, including government forces and armed groups, linked to documented cases of sexual violence.
For the first time, the report includes the Israeli armed and security forces and the Russian armed and security forces among listed state actors. In addition, three armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were newly added to the list of non-state actors cited for involvement in such violations.
The UN noted that the listing process is based on verified information collected through established monitoring mechanisms and does not represent legal judgments.
Sexual Violence Used as a Conflict Tactic
According to the report, sexual violence continued to be employed as a method of intimidation, punishment, coercion, and terror in several conflicts during 2025. Civilians were subjected to crimes including rape, gang rape, forced captivity, and sexual slavery.
The report also highlights the connection between sexual violence and human trafficking, particularly in areas affected by extremist activities and armed insurgencies. Women and girls who were displaced from their homes, as well as refugees and migrants, faced heightened vulnerability due to unstable living conditions and reduced access to protection services.
Incidents of sexual violence were also documented in detention facilities and places of confinement in several conflict situations, including those involving Israel and the State of Palestine, as well as Russia and Ukraine.
Accountability Remains Limited
The United Nations expressed concern over the continued lack of accountability for many perpetrators. According to the report, compliance with international humanitarian and human rights standards remained weak across numerous conflict settings.
More than 65 percent of the parties listed in the report have appeared repeatedly for five years or longer without taking meaningful corrective measures. The UN warned that persistent impunity continues to undermine efforts to prevent future abuses and deliver justice to survivors.
The report concludes that stronger international cooperation, improved protection mechanisms, and sustained support for victims will be essential to addressing the growing crisis and reducing the prevalence of sexual violence in armed conflicts.