UNICEF Raises Alarm Over Surging Violations Against Children in Eastern DRC Amid Escalating Conflict

“We are urgently calling on all parties to the conflict to immediately halt these appalling grave violations against children,” said Jean Francois Basse, UNICEF's acting Representative in DRC.

UNICEF has expressed grave concern over the sharp increase in reports of grave violations against children in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The number of incidents has surged threefold since the latest outbreak of violence on January 24, 2025.

During this period, alarming statistics reveal that cases of sexual violence have more than doubled, abductions have increased sixfold, killings and maimings have risen sevenfold, and attacks on schools and hospitals have skyrocketed by 12 times.

Escalating Violence Jeopardizing Children’s Safety

“We are urgently calling on all parties to the conflict to immediately halt these appalling grave violations against children,” said Jean Francois Basse, UNICEF's acting Representative in DRC. “The conflict is tearing families apart, leading to widespread insecurity, and is rapidly undermining progress made over the last few years. Vulnerable children, including those living on the streets, tell us they are afraid for their lives.”

The escalating violence has resulted in the collapse of essential services, forcing thousands of schools to shut down, separating children from their families, and worsening insecurity. The breakdown of security and justice systems, coupled with prison breakouts and widespread availability of weapons, has placed children in extreme danger.

Rising Cases of Child Recruitment and Exploitation

UNICEF is deeply troubled by reports of mass recruitment efforts by armed groups targeting young people, significantly increasing the risk of child abduction and forced enrollment. The DRC already holds one of the highest numbers of verified cases of child recruitment in conflict zones since global records began in 2005.

To combat this, the United Nations has been working with the Government of the DRC under an action plan signed in 2012 to eliminate the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, as well as other grave violations, including sexual violence. Since January 2025, UNICEF and its partners have screened 5,639 prospective recruits, including 302 women and girls, across the country. Among them, 63 children, including 12 girls, were identified and reunited with their families.

UNICEF’s Efforts to Protect and Reunite Children

UNICEF continues to focus on reuniting unaccompanied children with their families. Since the latest escalation of violence, 1,200 children have been identified, with 720 successfully reunited with their families. Efforts are ongoing to place the remaining children with foster families as a protective measure while searching for their families.

UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to cease and prevent grave violations against children, adhere to international law as stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and take immediate steps to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.

Additionally, UNICEF is actively engaging and advocating with authorities to prioritize humanitarian solutions over coercive measures and avoid the criminalization of children affected by the conflict.

Accountability and Urgent Action Needed

“We must not stand by while this horrific violence persists,” Basse emphasized. “Perpetrators must be held accountable to break the cycle of impunity surrounding grave violations against children in the DRC.”

UNICEF remains committed to providing urgent support to affected children, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they receive the care and protection they need amid the ongoing crisis.