Conflict-related sexual violence cases more than doubled in 2025, UN warns

Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Cases More Than Doubled in 2025, UN Warns

Conflict related sexual violence cases more - The United Nations’ annual report revealed a dramatic increase in conflict-linked sexual violence, with nearly 10,000 documented cases worldwide in 2025—more than double the figure from the preceding year. These incidents, encompassing rape, sexual enslavement, and forced abduction, were employed as strategic tools of war across regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean. The surge underscores a global escalation in the use of sexual violence as a weapon of conflict, intensifying the suffering of vulnerable populations.

Report's Key Findings

Released on Friday, the UN’s report highlighted an alarming trend, with Special Representative Pramila Patten noting that the rise in sexual violence cases reflects a growing crisis driven by heightened instability, mass displacement, and limited resources for survivors. She emphasized that the data, while significant, only scratches the surface of the broader issue. “The figures in this report should be seen not as the complete story, but as a window into a much wider pattern of violations that remain largely hidden and unreported,” she explained.

“In 2025, documented cases of sexual violence as a tactic of war, torture, terrorism, and political repression saw a dramatic spike, marked by extreme brutality and a consistent focus on women and girls,” Patten stated during a press briefing at the UN Headquarters.

The report’s analysis spans 21 conflict-affected nations, detailing sexual violence perpetuated by both state and non-state actors. These acts include not only rape and gang rape but also forced marriages, trafficking, and abductions. According to the data, women and girls remained the primary victims, though men and boys were also subjected to such violence, particularly in detention facilities or as part of torture strategies. LGBTQI+ individuals faced an even greater risk of targeted abuse and intimidation.

Victims of these attacks span a wide age range, from children as young as one to adults over 70, with the report also noting cases involving persons with disabilities. Patten highlighted that the violence is often accompanied by severe physical trauma, including instances where survivors were killed after being raped or took their own lives in the aftermath of abuse. “This report is a testament to the profound human suffering endured by survivors and communities caught in the crossfire of ongoing wars,” she remarked.

Drivers of the Crisis

Non-state armed groups, including organized criminal factions, continue to weaponize sexual violence to assert dominance over regions and populations, particularly those in resource-rich areas. Displaced and refugee women, especially in remote or border zones, face heightened vulnerability as support systems collapse. Additionally, the proliferation of small arms has exacerbated the frequency and severity of sexual assaults in multiple conflict zones, according to the findings.

Patten pointed to systemic challenges that hinder efforts to document and address these violations. Humanitarian access restrictions, persistent insecurity, and insufficient funding have created obstacles for investigators and aid workers. “Without adequate resources, the true scale of the crisis remains obscured, and survivors lack the support they desperately need,” she said.

Global Accountability Efforts

The report’s annex lists 77 entities identified as perpetrators of recurring sexual violence patterns, including 62 non-state actors and two state forces—Russian military and security units, as well as Israeli armed and security personnel—following fresh evidence of sustained abuses. These additions underscore the international nature of the issue, with new groups flagged for potential inclusion in future reports.

“The three non-State armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—Wazalendo, Forces nationales de libération, and Mai-Mai du groupe armé de l’Union des patriotes pour la libération du Congo—were recently added due to their documented role in systemic sexual violence,” Patten noted. The report also underscores the persistent patterns of abuse by Russian and Israeli forces, which were placed on notice for potential inclusion in the next reporting cycle.

“These violations are not confined to specific regions or isolated incidents,” Patten stressed. “They are deeply entrenched in global conflict, and their consequences are devastating for individuals and communities.” She called for a unified response that prioritizes victims’ rights over political expediency, urging policymakers to move beyond selective outrage and preconceived narratives.

Call for Action

The report urges the Security Council and member states to take urgent steps in preventing sexual violence, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, and providing comprehensive support to survivors. This includes increasing funding for medical care, psychological services, and legal assistance, which are critical for recovery and justice. “Prevention, accountability, and support must be scaled up to meet the demands of this escalating crisis,” the report emphasized.

“The impact of sexual violence extends far beyond individual trauma, shaping the social and economic fabric of affected regions,” Patten added. She highlighted that the crisis requires coordinated efforts to address root causes, such as poverty, political instability, and lack of legal protections. “Survivors deserve a response that reflects their dignity, needs, and the gravity of their experiences,” she concluded.

The UN’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian toll of war. With each conflict zone witnessing a rise in sexual violence, the need for sustained international attention and intervention becomes more urgent. The report calls for a paradigm shift in how conflicts are managed, advocating for policies that integrate sexual violence prevention into broader peacekeeping and development strategies. As the global community grapples with the implications, the message is clear: the crisis demands immediate, sustained action to protect the most vulnerable and restore justice for survivors.

“This isn’t just about numbers,” Patten said. “It’s about the lived realities of countless individuals who have endured unimaginable trauma. The report is a call to action for all nations to recognize the scale of the problem and commit to eradicating it.” Her words echo the collective responsibility of the international community in confronting this pervasive form of violence, which continues to haunt the world’s conflict zones.