UNICEF is deeply concerned by the significant increase in reports of grave violations against children in parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The number of incidents has tripled since the latest escalation of violence, which began on 24 January 2025.
During this period, data reveals that cases of sexual violence have risen by more than two and a half times, abductions have increased sixfold, killing and maiming are up sevenfold, and attacks on schools and hospitals have multiplied by 12.
“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 escalation of violence in eastern DRC has led to the collapse of essential services. Thousands of schools remain closed, children have been separated from their families, and the lack of security and justice services – along with fighting, emptying of prisons, and availability of weapons – are leaving children particularly exposed.
UNICEF is also gravely concerned by reports of mass recruitment drives by parties to the conflict targeting young people, which significantly heightens the risk of abduction and enrollment of children. Already, the DRC has one of the highest numbers of verified cases of child recruitment in conflict since global records began in 2005.
The United Nations has been working with the Government of the DRC under an action plan signed in 2012 to end the recruitment and use of children as well as other grave violation,s including sexual violence. Since January 2025, UNICEF and partners have supported the screening of 5,639 prospective recruits—including 302 women and girls–across the country, identifying 63 children, 12 of whom are girls, and reuniting them with their families.
Given their heightened vulnerability, UNICEF is also working in eastern DRC to reunite unaccompanied children with their families. Since the recent escalation of violence, 1,200 children have been identified, with 720 successfully reunited with their families. Efforts continue to place the remaining children in foster families as a protective measure while locating their families.
UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease and prevent grave rights violations against children and respect international law in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
They must also take concrete measures to protect civilians and civilian objects critical to their survival in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. UNICEF is also engaging and advocating with authorities to prioritize humanitarian solutions over coercive measures and the criminalization of children.
“We must not stand by while this horrific violence persists. Perpetrators must also be held to account if the cycle of impunity on grave violations against children in DRC is to end,” said Basse.
