What's happened
UNICEF reports that children account for 35% to 45% of nearly 10,000 cases of sexual violence in the DRC during January and February 2025. The ongoing conflict, driven by M23 rebel advances, has led to a systemic crisis, with a child reportedly raped every half hour. Urgent funding is needed to support survivors.
What's behind the headline?
Systemic Crisis of Violence
- The reported figures of sexual violence against children in the DRC are alarming, with estimates indicating a child is raped every half hour. This reflects a broader systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.
- The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the M23 rebels, has created an environment where sexual violence is used as a deliberate tactic of terror, impacting families and communities.
- UNICEF's James Elder emphasizes the urgent need for international intervention, highlighting that funding shortages are severely affecting the provision of essential services for survivors.
- Without immediate action, projections suggest that 250,000 children will miss out on critical support services in the coming months, further entrenching the cycle of violence and suffering.
- The situation calls for a collective response from the international community to address both immediate needs and long-term solutions to prevent further atrocities.
What the papers say
According to James Elder, spokesperson for UNICEF, the situation in the DRC is dire, with children making up a significant portion of sexual violence victims. He stated, "We are not talking about isolated incidents; we are talking about a systemic crisis" (AP News). The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that the conflict has escalated significantly, leading to fears of a wider regional war. Elder's warnings about funding shortages are corroborated by multiple sources, including Al Jazeera, which highlights the urgent need for intervention to prevent further suffering. The South China Morning Post also emphasizes the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, reinforcing the need for immediate action to support affected children.
How we got here
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has escalated since January 2025, when M23 rebels seized key territories, including Goma. This has intensified violence, particularly against children, leading to a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread sexual violence used as a weapon of war.
Go deeper
- What actions are being taken to address this crisis?
- How can international communities help the situation?
- What are the long-term implications for children in the DRC?
Common question
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What is the Current Child Protection Crisis in the DRC?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a severe child protection crisis, with alarming rates of sexual violence reported by UNICEF. This situation raises urgent questions about the safety and well-being of children in conflict zones. Below, we explore key aspects of this crisis and what actions are being taken to support affected children.
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What are the latest statistics on child victims of violence in the DRC?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting children. Recent reports indicate alarming statistics regarding child victims of systemic violence, especially sexual violence. This page explores the current situation, the role of organizations like UNICEF, and how the international community can help combat this pressing issue.
More on these topics
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Kinshasa, Zaire, DR Congo, DRC, the DROC, or simply the Congo, is a country located in Central Africa. It was formerly called Zaire.
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The United Nations Children's Fund is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.U.N. headquarters is based in New York City, it is among the most widespread and recognizable social welfare o
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The M23 rebellion was an armed conflict in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, that occurred between the March 23 Movement and government forces between 4 April 2012 and 7 November 2013.
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Rwanda, formerly Ruanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley where the African Great Lakes region and East Africa converge. One of the smallest countries on the African mainland, its capital city is Kigali.
