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The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached alarming levels, exacerbating humanitarian crises, especially affecting children. Renewed fighting has led to significant displacement, weakened protective systems, and an upsurge in violence against children. UNICEF is urgently calling for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access, citing that conflict-related displacement and poverty are fueling violence against children nationwide.
Documenting the Crisis
A recent report, "The Hidden Scars of Conflict and Silence," emphasizes that the child protection crisis extends well beyond combat zones. The eastern provinces, particularly North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, report the highest instances of insecurity, displacement, and insufficient protective services, making children exceedingly vulnerable. Urban areas like Kinshasa and the Kasai regions also face alarming conditions due to poverty and food insecurity, which increase risks for children, leading to early marriages and various forms of abuse.
In the first nine months of 2025, over 35,000 cases of sexual violence against children were documented, reflecting a dramatic rise from nearly 45,000 cases reported in 2024—an almost threefold increase from 2022. This accounted for about 40% of all reported sexual violence cases in the DRC. UNICEF highlights that the actual numbers are likely much higher due to fear, stigma, and limited access to supportive services that prevent many victims from seeking help.
Survivor Testimonies Highlight Resilience
The report centers around survivor accounts, emphasizing the deep psychological impact on children affected by violence. These testimonies reveal feelings of shame, isolation, and a fractured self-image, yet they also convey a determination to reclaim their dignity and hope. Testimonials collected from various provinces showcase not only the magnitude of abuse but also the resilience needed to address the crisis.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell noted grim scenarios, such as mothers walking long distances to receive medical care for their assaulted daughters. Frequently, stigma and fear of retaliation deter families from reporting abuses, underscoring a pervasive crisis entwined with insecurity and inadequate support systems.
Adolescent girls represent the largest demographic affected, although boys also face significant risks of sexual violence, often unreported due to societal stigma. Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, encountering physical barriers that hinder their access to care and justice.
Children’s Voices in Advocacy
Children are increasingly vocal about their experiences. One child from the DRC poignantly conveyed to world leaders, “My role is not in an armed conflict,” through the Prove It Matters campaign, demonstrating their desire for acknowledgment and support from global leaders. UN Special Representative Vanessa Frazier has revealed that 2024 was the worst year on record for children in conflict zones since the establishment of the mandate nearly three decades ago, with the DRC cited alongside other countries like Gaza, Haiti, and Ukraine as hotspots for grave violations against children.
Frazier stressed that while they cannot change the past year, there remains hope for the future, urging world leaders to prioritize the needs of children affected by conflict, uphold international laws, cease violations, and enhance funding for child protection and justice.
Funding Challenges and Their Impact
Despite efforts from UNICEF and partners to assist affected children’s needs, funding cuts have severely impacted ongoing support initiatives. From 2022 to 2024, despite reaching over 24,200 children, an overall decline in funding has led many protective programs and services to reduce their capacities or shut down entirely. By mid-2025, only 23% of gender-based violence intervention programs received funding, compared to 48% in 2022, which jeopardizes essential services for hundreds of thousands of children in the region.
The overarching sentiment from children affected by conflict points to the essential equation of safety and security for children being a integral part of future stability: “A protected child is a secure future,” conveying hope for a more peaceful environment.
Conclusion
The alarming rise in violence against children in the DRC marks a significant humanitarian crisis that requires immediate global attention. UNICEF’s call to action reflects the urgent need for both a cessation of hostilities and an increase in funding for child protection services. The accounts of resilience from survivors remind us that there is hope, and the narrative surrounding the ongoing conflict needs urgent transformation. Targeted actions and increased empathy from leaders are imperative in ensuring a safer, more secure future for children in the DRC.
