UNICEF Reports Sharp Rise in Violence and Violations Against Children in Eastern DRC

UNICEF Sounds Alarm Over Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern DRC; Children Face Unprecedented Suffering.

UNICEF has expressed deep alarm over the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), highlighting the devastating impact on children and families. Recent reports from the conflict-ridden North and South Kivu provinces reveal horrific violations against children, including a dramatic increase in sexual violence.

Between 27 January and 2 February 2025, UNICEF partners documented a five-fold surge in rape cases treated at 42 health facilities. Shockingly, 30 per cent of those treated were children. The actual figures are feared to be even higher, as many survivors are too afraid to report their abuse. Additionally, health facilities are running critically low on essential post-assault medications, including drugs to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

In one harrowing account, a mother shared with UNICEF staff that her six daughters, the youngest just 12 years old, were brutally raped by armed men while they were searching for food.

The intensifying conflict has displaced thousands of vulnerable children and families, forcing them to flee multiple times amid relentless bombardment and gunfire. Over the past two weeks alone, more than 1,100 unaccompanied children have been identified in North and South Kivu. Separated from their families, these children are at heightened risk of abduction, recruitment by armed groups, and sexual violence.

UNICEF teams are working urgently to register unaccompanied children, place them with temporary foster families, and ensure they receive critical medical and psychological support.

The crisis has also fueled a rise in child recruitment into armed groups, with reports indicating that children as young as 12 are being coerced or forcibly conscripted. The situation is expected to worsen as warring factions escalate calls for young fighters.

UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease grave violations against children and protect civilians and essential infrastructure, in compliance with international humanitarian law. The organization also stresses the urgent need for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to reach affected families.

Furthermore, UNICEF urges increased diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and pursue a lasting political solution. The agency underscores the importance of ending the violence so that children in the DRC can live in safety and dignity.