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Releasing the UN’s annual report on Friday, Special Representative Pramila Patten said the figures reflected deepening global trends, with increasing insecurity, displacement and dwindling resources for survivors all fueling this crisis.
“In 2025, documented cases of sexual violence as tactics of war, torture, terrorism and political repression are characterized by extreme brutality and mostly target women and girls. increased drastically,“him notified journalist at UN Headquarters.
The report verified 9,788 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2025 – however, Ms Patten stressed that the figure did not reflect the brutal reality.
“The figures contained in this report should be understood not as a complete picture, but as indications of broader patterns of violations that remain largely unseen and unreported,he said.
Civilians are targeted
This report documents rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, human trafficking and kidnapping committed by state and non-state actors in 21 conflict-affected countries.
Women and girls remained the main targets, although men and boys were also subjected to sexual violence, often in places of detention and as a form of torture. LGBTQI+ individuals also face an increased risk of targeted abuse and harassment.
The victims ranged in age from one to 70, according to the report, which also noted cases involving people with disabilities.
Patten said the violence was often accompanied by extreme physical violence, including murder following rape and incidents of suicide among survivors.
“At its core, this report is about the human suffering experienced by survivors and communities living in the shadow of war,he said.
Armed groups and access
The report notes that non-state armed groups, including organized criminal groups, continue to use sexual violence to exert control over communities and territories, including areas rich in natural resources.
Refugee and displaced women and girls face greater risks, especially in remote and border areas where support networks have collapsed.
The widespread availability of small arms also continues to fuel sexual violence in conflicts, the findings show.
At the same time, restrictions on humanitarian access, insecurity and lack of funding make it difficult to document violations and assist survivors.
Documented abusers added
The report’s appendix lists 77 parties deemed responsible for patterns of conflict-related sexual violence, including 62 non-state actors.
New additions included three non-state armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – armed elements of the Wazalendo, Forces nationales de libération, and Mai-Mai du groupe armé de l’Union des patriotes pour la libération du Congo.
Two state actors – Russian armed and security forces, and Israeli armed and security forces – were also newly listed following the discovery of continuing patterns of sexual violence documented by the UN.
Both parties were “given notice of possible listing in the next reporting period” last year.
Call to action
The report is urgent Security Council and Member States to strengthen prevention, accountability and support for survivors.
Recommendations include:
- ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access,
- expand monitoring and sanctions mechanisms,
- supporting women’s protection advisors in UN missions,
- strengthen investigations and prosecutions, and
- increase funding for medical, psychosocial and legal services.
Mrs Patten urged the focus to remain on the survivors.
“These violations are not isolated or limited to a few contexts,he said.
“This problem is global in scale, has a devastating impact and demands a response that is not centered on political posturing, selective outrage or preconceived narratives, but on the rights, needs and dignity of victims and survivors.”
