UNICEF has strongly condemned the alarming rise in violence against children in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as armed conflict in the region intensifies. In a statement released on Friday, the agency revealed that thousands of minors have been subjected to horrific abuses, including sexual violence, abductions, and forced recruitment by armed groups.
The situation has reached critical levels, with UNICEF reporting an unprecedented surge in sexual violence, particularly rape, and other severe violations against children. “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,” the organization stated. These violations have left children, many of whom have been separated from their families, exposed to heightened risks of further abuse.
The ongoing clashes between the M23 rebel group and DRC government forces have displaced over 2.8 million people, exacerbating the vulnerability of children in the region. Families continue to flee the violence, and many children are left without the protection and care they need. In a particularly disturbing case from September 2023, UNICEF’s representative in the DRC, Grant Leaity, recounted meeting one-year-old twins who had been orphaned by the conflict. Severely malnourished, the children were found with explosive devices attached to their bodies after being released by armed groups.
Despite international humanitarian efforts, the worsening insecurity in the region has made it difficult for aid organizations to reach affected areas, leaving many children without the support they desperately need. Armed groups continue to exploit minors for various purposes, including recruitment as soldiers, despite international legal frameworks prohibiting the use of children in conflict.
Amnesty International has joined calls for immediate action, urging conflict parties to prioritize the protection of civilians, particularly children. The organization stressed that any international peace efforts must include clear mechanisms to prevent human rights abuses and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
UNICEF has called for an immediate cessation of violence against children, urging all parties involved in the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and vital infrastructure. The organization’s plea underscores the dire need for international intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the DRC, whose lives continue to be shattered by the ongoing violence.
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