Since the recent escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo a month ago, reports of grave violations against children have tripled, according to the UN Children’s Fund.
By Lisa Zengarini
The humanitarian crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to worsen following the new offensive of the M23 rebels, and UNICEF has sounded the alarm over the surge of grave violations against children. Recent reports highlight that the number of incidents has tripled in just a month, signaling an urgent need for international attention and intervention.
Sharp increase in cases of sexual violence, abductions
Among the most distressing developments is the sharp increase in cases of sexual violence, abductions, and violent assaults on children. Reports indicate that sexual violence (also targeting women) has risen by more than two and a half times, abductions have increased sixfold, while killings and maiming of children have surged sevenfold. Additionally, attacks on schools and hospitals have escalated at an unprecedented rate, multiplying by twelve times compared to previous levels.
UNICEF’s acting representative in the DRC, Jean François Basse, has issued a strong appeal to all parties involved in the conflict, urging them to halt these severe violations immediately.
The widespread insecurity has led to the collapse of essential services, leaving thousands of schools closed and many children separated from their families. The breakdown of law enforcement and justice services, combined with the proliferation of weapons and the emptying of prisons, has significantly increased children’s vulnerability.
Forced recruitment of children
Forced recruitment of children into armed groups has been a longstanding issue in the DRC, and the United Nations has been collaborating with the Congolese government since 2012 through an action plan aimed at ending child recruitment and other severe abuses, including sexual violence.
Protecting unaccompanied children
Recognizing the urgent need to protect and support children affected by the conflict, UNICEF has intensified its efforts to reunite unaccompanied children with their families. Since the latest outbreak of violence, 1,200 children have been identified as unaccompanied, and UNICEF has successfully reunited 720 of them with their families. For those whose families cannot yet be found, the agency is placing them in foster care to provide temporary protection.
While urging all parties to adhere to international legal frameworks and protect civilians, UNICEF has stressed the need for accountability, insisting that perpetrators of these crimes must be brought to justice to end the cycle of impunity.
Concerns over regional escalation of the conflict
The fighting shows no signs of abatement with Rwanda-backed M23 forces continuing their advance in the mineral-rich North and South Kivu provinces, despite calls for a ceasefire, increasing concerns over a possible regional escalation of the conflict.
The conflict is not merely an internal ethnic matter but a geopolitical struggle involving multiple regional actors with competing interests. The recent killing of soldiers by M23 forces has further strained relations between SADC member states, particularly South Africa, and Rwanda.
Humanitarian crisis
The latest M23 offensive has displaced over 500,000 people in North and South Kivu alone, contributing to an already staggering figure of 7 million internally displaced persons in the DRC. At least 7,000 people have been killed over the past month. Given the growing regionalization of the crisis and its humanitarian toll, the need for a coordinated African response has never been more urgent.
While diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground suggests that a more decisive intervention may be required to prevent further bloodshed and instability.
