Global Conflict-Related S3xual Violence Sees Alarming Rise in 2025, Says UN Report

A disturbing trend has emerged in conflict zones worldwide, as the United Nations reports a significant surge in the use of s3xual violence as a tool of war, terrorism, and political repression. According to the UN's annual report, presented by Pramila Patten at the UN Headquarters, nearly 10,000 verified cases of conflict-related s3xual violence were recorded across 21 conflict-affected countries in 2025. This represents a dramatic increase in the use of r@pe, gang r@pe, s3xual slavery, forced marriage, trafficking, and abductions as tactics of war. Patten stated that 'in 2025, documented cases of s3xual violence as a tactic of war, torture, terrorism, and political repression marked by extreme brutality and overwhelmingly targeting women and girls increased dramatically.' The report highlights that the 9,788 verified cases are likely only a fraction of the true scale of abuse, as many incidents remain unreported. The victims of these heinous crimes range from children as young as one year old to adults aged 70, including people living with disabilities. The UN also documented cases involving men and boys, particularly in detention settings where such acts were allegedly used as a form of torture. Furthermore, the report notes that LGBTQI+ individuals in conflict zones face increased risks. Many incidents involved extreme brutality, including killings following r@pe and suicides among survivors. Patten emphasized that 'at its heart, this report is about the human suffering of all these survivors and communities living in the shadow of war.' The report points to the role of armed groups and criminal networks, which continue to use s3xual violence to exert control over territories and populations, particularly in fragile and resource-rich regions. Displacement, insecurity, and weakened protection systems are increasing the vulnerability of women and girls, especially in border communities and remote areas. The UN warns that restrictions on humanitarian access and funding shortages are exacerbating the situation, making it more difficult to document abuses and provide support services to survivors. The organisation is calling on governments and the United Nations Security Council to strengthen prevention efforts, improve accountability, and expand survivor-centred support programmes. Among its recommendations are unhindered humanitarian access, stronger monitoring and sanctions mechanisms, support for women's protection advisers in UN missions, enhanced investigations and prosecutions, and increased funding for medical, psychosocial, and legal services. Patten urged world leaders to focus on the needs of survivors rather than political considerations, stating that 'these violations are neither isolated nor confined to a handful of contexts. They are global in scale, devastating in impact, and demand a response centred not on political posturing, selective outrage, or pre-conceived narratives, but on the rights, needs, and dignity of victims and survivors.'