The year 2023 has been marked by a significant increase in armed conflicts, with Africa experiencing the highest number of conflicts worldwide. According to a study released by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo (PRIO) and data collected by Sweden's Uppsala University, 28 out of the 59 armed conflicts that occurred in 2023 took place on the African continent. This represents nearly half of all armed conflicts worldwide [e0a13de3].
The number of conflicts in Africa has nearly doubled in the past ten years, rising from 15 in 2013 to 28 in 2023. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including the spread of ISIL (ISIS) across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Non-state actors such as the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM) have also played a role in fueling the conflicts [e0a13de3].
Despite the rise in the number of conflicts, there has been a decrease in the number of deaths in combat in 2023. The study estimates that around 122,000 people lost their lives in armed conflicts during the year, which is half the number of deaths compared to the previous year. However, it is important to note that these figures are still alarmingly high and highlight the urgent need for peace and stability in the affected regions [e0a13de3].
The study also ranked the least peaceful countries in the world, with Yemen taking the top spot. Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine were also among the least peaceful countries. This ranking underscores the severity of the conflicts in these regions and the challenges faced in achieving lasting peace [e0a13de3].
According to U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk, the number of children killed in global conflicts tripled in 2023 compared to the previous year. Overall civilian fatalities increased by 72% in 2023, with twice as many women killed. Warring parties are disregarding international human rights and humanitarian law, showing contempt for human rights and trampling on them [27ee38f0].
Turk expressed concern about the ongoing war in Gaza, where more than 120,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed or injured. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo was also highlighted, with Turk warning that the country is being destroyed by warring parties [27ee38f0].
Funding for humanitarian aid is dwindling, with a $40.8 billion gap between requirements and available resources. Meanwhile, global military expenditure reached almost $2.5 trillion in 2023, a 6.8% increase from the previous year [27ee38f0].
The escalation of armed conflicts and the increase in civilian fatalities underscore the urgent need for international action to address the root causes of these conflicts and protect the lives of innocent civilians, particularly women and children. The international community must work together to promote peace, respect for human rights, and adherence to international humanitarian law. Efforts should also be made to increase funding for humanitarian aid and redirect resources from military expenditure towards sustainable development and conflict prevention [27ee38f0].
In 2023, global conflicts resulted in a significant rise in civilian casualties, with child deaths tripling and women fatalities doubling compared to the previous year, according to the United Nations. Overall civilian deaths increased by 72 percent. UN human rights chief Volker Turk criticized warring parties for violating legal and moral boundaries, emphasizing the rampant disregard for human rights. The UN data revealed an alarming rise in civilian deaths, with children and women disproportionately affected. The Gaza Strip was notably impacted, with over 120,000 casualties, mainly women and children. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and Sudan were also highlighted. The surge in human suffering coincides with a severe shortfall in humanitarian funding, with a funding gap of $40.8 billion by May 2024. In contrast, global military expenditure reached nearly $2.5 trillion in 2023, marking a 6.8 percent increase from the previous year. UNICEF also warned of a cholera risk as Nigerian students resumed school.