A global report into how much children are suffering in war-torn countries has revealed how worldwide conflict is becoming increasingly dangerous.
The Save the Children study showed girls are more at risk of gender-based violence while boys were more likely to be exposed to killings and abductions.
More than 400 million children are living in conflict zones around the world predominantly in the Middle East and Africa.
The toll this conflict can take on young lives has been exposed in the latest Save the Children report, 'Stop the war on children.'
10-year-old Mahmoud* was injured during an airstrike and has been using a wheelchair to get around.
Mahmoud* was injured by an airstrike and lost both his legs. Source: Supplied
"I used to run, play football with the kids and walk with them," he said.
"We used to play together but now when I see them, they have legs and I don’t, I start crying."
The war in Syria has entered its tenth year.
Mahmoud* has been living in the Al-Hol refugee camp in northeast Syria with his mother and three siblings.
Conflict Zones
In 2018, Save the Children said the number of verified grave violations against young people reached a record high and Syria was particularly dangerous.
The report showed over the past decade, the number of children living in conflict zones has risen by 34 per cent.
There was also a 30 per cent increase in attacks on hospitals and schools over the past two years.
It estimates nearly 50 Australian children of foreign fighters are trapped at the Al-Hol camp.
Mahmoud* said when his father was being treated for diabetes, he was killed when shelling hit the hospital.
The 10-year-old said he misses his Dad, who worked hard to set him on the right path for the future.
"I want to become a doctor. I want to work. Work is not shameful." he said.
"It’s better for one to work than sit here in these tents."
Mahmoud* and his family in their tent at Al Hol. Source: Supplied
Gender differences
For the first time, the report explored the damage girls and boys experience because of war and how that differs because of gender.
Girls are more vulnerable to sexual violence and early or forced marriages while boys are more at risk of being recruited.
But the report explained that the role of gender influence could result in under-reporting of violations such as sexual violence against boys.
Save the Children's Mat Tinkler told SBS News it was important to understand the differences between genders, in order to come up with solutions.
"That allows us to design programs to respond to their needs more effectively," he said.
"It also allows us to talk to armed combatants and governments who are participating in these conflicts to alert them to the impacts these conflicts are having on children so we can try to avoid those occurring in the first place."
10-year-old Asti* fled north-east Syria with her mother and siblings last year to live at a refugee camp in Iraq.
Asti* fled northeast Syria in 2019. Source: Supplied
She said she was too scared to stay at home because she could hear bombs.
"Before [the] conflict we were playing, we were happy and going to school, the school was very beautiful," she said.
"But then the planes were over our head and we were afraid of going to school."
Lost education
Mr Tinkler said many children are missing out on education opportunities and he has warned a generation of children could lose their futures.
"Every time we ask a child who is impacted by conflict what they want most, it's 'we want to go to school'."
"School is woefully underfunded as part of the humanitarian response in most crises," he said.
The report found evidence of girls' education being targeted in Afghanistan, with increasing attacks on schools.
It's been almost 20 years of conflict between the Taliban and international forces in Afghanistan.
Besides attacks on schools and hospitals, the other grave violations against children were killing and maiming, recruitment and use of young people by armed groups, abduction, rape and sexual violence, and denial of humanitarian access.
The report noted there were challenges in tackling rights violations against children with diverse gender identities but ultimately the full impact was unknown.
The authors recommended UN Security Council members address gender-based violence using a holistic approach with access to reproductive health services.
The report will be being launched at the Munich Security Conference on Friday where global leaders will gather to debate international safety issues.
*Names have been changed to conceal identities.
