The year 2024 saw a significant increase in political violence globally, with Ukraine and Palestine being identified as major hotspots of conflict. Data from the NGO Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) indicated a 25% rise in conflicts compared to the previous year, resulting in the deaths of 223,000 people. Another study by the International Institute for International Studies (IIIS) found that the intensity and human toll of armed conflicts have also been on the rise, with 37% more people killed in the year leading up to June last year compared to the previous year-long period.
According to ACLED, Palestine is deemed the most conflict-ridden country in the world, with the Middle East being the most affected region. The assessment was based on four indicators: deadliness, danger, diffusion, and fragmentation of armed conflicts. It was estimated that 81% of Palestine’s population was exposed to conflict, with 35,000 fatalities recorded in the past 12 months. Since the war between Hamas and Israel in October 2023, the UN estimated that more than 45,000 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza. ACLED put the total number of fatalities in Palestinian territories over 50,000.
The conflict in Ukraine was noted to be the deadliest in the world, while Myanmar, where internal conflict has been ongoing since a military coup in 2021, had the highest number of armed groups. Apart from Ukraine and Palestine, there were approximately 50 countries worldwide experiencing active conflict. Other regions deemed increasingly vulnerable to uprisings included Mexico and Colombia in the Americas, Pakistan in Asia, and Sudan, Sahel, and the Great Lakes region of Africa. Additionally, ACLED’s Conflict Watchlist for 2025 identified countries such as Myanmar, Ukraine, Iran and its allies, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon as crisis areas likely to evolve over the next 12 months.
The UN estimated that 305 million people would require humanitarian assistance in 2025 due to the impact of conflict and violence. However, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies warned that the humanitarian needs of people in places like Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine would likely remain severely underfunded despite obligations to protect the delivery of humanitarian aid under international humanitarian law. The increasing number of conflicts and the resulting humanitarian crisis highlight the urgent need for international support and attention to address the root causes of these conflicts and alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
In conclusion, the rise in political violence globally in 2024, particularly in countries like Ukraine and Palestine, underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the root causes of conflicts and alleviate human suffering. The increasing intensity and human toll of armed conflicts highlight the importance of coordinated efforts to promote peace and stability in conflict-affected regions. As the number of countries experiencing active conflict continues to grow, it is imperative for the international community to prioritize humanitarian assistance and support to those affected by violence. By working together to address the underlying issues driving conflicts, we can move towards a more peaceful and secure world for all.
