Many of these conflict situations are fragile, with a growing risk of escalation and associated violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law. Though unacceptably high, the number of civilian conflict-related deaths dropped by 17 per cent compared to 2020, and by 69 per cent compared to 2015. Among them were 11,075 civilians, and 1 in 8 were women or children. The United Nations recorded at least 13,842 deaths associated with 12 of the world's deadliest armed conflicts in 2021. Ending armed conflicts, strengthening institutions and enacting inclusive and equitable legislation that protects the human rights of all persons are necessary preconditions for sustainable development.Ĭivilians continue to bear the brunt of violent conflicts, with record numbers forcibly displaced Exercising fundamental freedoms in the defence of others remains deadly, with 320 fatal attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists recorded in 35 countries in 2021. The cost of war and conflict is high, affecting the poor and vulnerable the most and leading to global impacts and escalating human rights violations and humanitarian needs. This staggering number will increase along with the widening repercussions of the war in Ukraine. As of May 2022, a record 100 million people had been forcibly displaced worldwide. Amid these crises, and despite movement restrictions prompted by COVID-19, forced displacement has continued and even grown.

Pleas for global peace are growing louder as the world witnesses the largest number of violent conflicts since 1946, with one quarter of the global population living in conflict-affected countries at the end of 2020.

Armed conflicts database