Presenting an annual report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Security Council, the Special Representative for this area, Pramila Patten, stressed the importance of helping survivors and expressed her concern about the increase in crises globally.

In 2024, more than 4,600 cases of this type of aggression were reported, an increase of 25 percent compared to 2023, she said, but pointed out that this figure is lower than the real figure because it is only what the UN was able to verify.

He also pointed out that violence against children increased by 35 percent, with victims as young as one year old.

Among the countries where the situation is most serious are Haiti, Somalia and South Sudan.

Patten noted that refugee and displaced women and girls face exacerbated risks; food insecurity increases vulnerability; and armed groups use sexual violence to control territory and resources and recruit fighters.

In addition, he said that global military spending in 24 hours exceeds the annual funds allocated to address the phenomenon in a year, forcing shelters and clinics to close for lack of resources.

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