The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that children as young as 12 are being forcibly recruited into armed groups and subjected to horrific abuses in the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Reports indicate a sharp increase in sexual violence against minors, with cases of rape and exploitation reaching alarming levels.
According to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, the crisis has intensified as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels expand their operations, clashing with Congolese forces and allied militias. The organization has received reports of severe violations against children, surpassing previous records in North and South Kivu provinces.
“In North and South Kivu provinces, we are receiving horrific reports of grave violations against children by parties to the conflict, including rape and other forms of sexual violence at levels surpassing anything we have seen in recent years.”
Catherine Russell
The accounts from survivors paint a disturbing picture of the situation on the ground. One mother described how her six daughters, the youngest just 12 years old, were systematically raped by armed men while searching for food. Another victim echoed similar experiences, saying “it didn’t matter if the victims were adults or children.”
The ongoing violence has forced thousands to flee, leaving families separated and exposing children to greater risks. UNICEF reports that in just the past two weeks, over 1,100 unaccompanied children have been identified in the conflict-affected areas of the two Kivu provinces.
UNICEF’s regional partners have reported a dramatic rise in cases of sexual violence. Between January 27 and February 2, the number of rape cases treated in 42 health facilities jumped five-fold. Of the 572 reported cases, 170 involved children. However, the actual figures could be much higher as many survivors remain too afraid to speak out.
Lianne Gutcher, UNICEF’s communication chief in DRC, confirmed that “it is suspected that all parties to the conflict committed sexual violence.” She further highlighted that children have been disproportionately affected.
Ramatou Toure, UNICEF’s chief of child protection in DRC, emphasized that the armed groups are systematically using sexual violence as “weapons of war.” She also noted that while most victims are girls, some boys have also suffered abuse.
Forced Recruitment of Child Soldiers
As the conflict escalates, armed groups are increasingly targeting children for recruitment. Reports suggest that children as young as 12 are being coerced into fighting, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
“Parties to the conflict must immediately cease and prevent grave rights violations against children.” Catherine Russell
M23, a rebel group backed by Rwanda according to UN experts, has taken control of large areas in eastern DRC since resuming its military campaign in late 2022. The group claims to be fighting for the rights of ethnic Tutsis, but its continued offensives have worsened the humanitarian situation in the region.
The conflict in DRC, which has lasted for decades, remains one of the world’s most protracted crises. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, violence persists, leaving millions vulnerable, particularly women and children.
UNICEF has called for an immediate halt to attacks on children and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian laws. As the situation worsens, humanitarian agencies stress the need for urgent intervention to protect the rights and safety of children in the region.
READ ALSO: Dame Accuses Mahama Government of Case Manipulation
