UN Reports Surge in Conflict-related Sexual Violence and Female Civilian Deaths
Omar Al-Khatib | AA
UN Women officials reveal that the share of civilian deaths among women and girls has doubled since 2021, with reported cases of conflict-related sexual violence escalating significantly in recent years.
Women and girls are enduring increasingly fatal outcomes in armed conflicts worldwide, with civilian deaths in this group doubling from 2021 figures. Alarming statistics from the United Nations reveal significant rises in both civilian fatalities and conflict-related sexual violence cases involving women.
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, deputy executive director at UN Women, emphasized the escalating human toll women are bearing in wars she described as preventable. In 2025, women and girls accounted for 25% of the more than 37,000 civilian deaths in conflicts, a stark increase from their previous share, Gumbonzvanda said.
The grim reality sees at least 25 women and girls killed daily, compounded by many residing near conflict zones. The conflicts persist off international radar, yet continue to disrupt and endanger the lives of these women, Gumbonzvanda noted.
Sharp Rise in Sexual Violence Cases
A particularly disturbing trend is the surge in conflict-related sexual violence. The UN verified 9,788 cases in 2025, revealing more than a twofold increase from 2024 and nearly quadruple the cases in 2022.
Gumbonzvanda stressed that women are unfairly bearing the brunt of warfare, calling for urgent action from governments and the international community to cease ongoing conflicts, safeguard civilians, and hold accountable those who commit abuses.
She advocated for the inclusion of women in all peace negotiations and called for increased funding for women-led peacebuilding organizations.
Global Conflicts and Their Impact
The worsening state of global conflicts is exacerbating conditions for women and girls, as outlined by Sarah Hendriks of UN Women. In 2025, more than 185 different conflicts were cataloged, including 65 involving state-based actors.
Hendriks highlighted a worrying trend: both the number and nature of conflicts are evolving, and it is predominantly women and girls who are suffering the escalating ramifications.
The persistent and multiplying nature of warfare underscores an urgent need to address the gender-specific impacts of conflict, particularly for those living in the vicinity of these crises.
Implications for Global Urban Centers
The implications of these findings extend deeply into urban policy and governance, highlighting a critical need for cities to integrate gender-sensitive measures into emergency preparedness and response strategies. As urban centers often serve as destinations for displaced victims, ensuring robust support systems is paramount for maintaining both civic stability and humane living conditions.
Addressing the root causes of conflict and enhancing the inclusion and funding of women-led initiatives can significantly fortify municipal efforts to support affected populations. By prioritizing equity and integrating women’s perspectives into urban planning, cities can better prepare for and mitigate the gendered impacts of conflict-driven migration and instability.
Questions That Matter
What did UN Women report about conflict-related violence?
UN Women reported that in 2025, 37,000 civilians were killed in armed conflicts, with women and girls making up one in four of these deaths. Verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence also rose sharply to 9,788 in 2025.
How many conflicts were recorded globally in 2025?
In 2025, more than 185 conflicts were recorded worldwide, including 65 that were state-based, according to Sarah Hendriks, director at UN Women.