UNICEF warns of alarming rise in sexual violence against children in Eastern DRC

UNICEF Sounds Alarm as Sexual Violence Against Children Surges in Eastern DR Congo
UNICEF has issued a stark warning over an alarming rise in sexual violence against children in the conflict-affected east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as prolonged fighting and insecurity devastate civilian life and leave the most vulnerable at heightened risk. The UN agency says the crisis is particularly acute at the Rhoo displacement camp, where displaced families live in precarious conditions and children face increasing threats of abuse both inside and outside conflict zones.

Three decades of persistent conflict most recently marked by territorial advances by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group have dismantled social protection and exposed children to extreme danger. UNICEF emphasizes that sexual violence is not confined to active battlefields: incidents are also reported in areas where fighting is not currently underway, underscoring the broader insecurity gripping eastern Congo.

In one painful account highlighted by aid workers, a girl was raped at the age of 13 while returning from a short errand, a traumatic event that left deep physical and emotional scars. Her family sought medical care, but the psychological pain and stigma of her experience have persisted, reflecting a pattern shared by many survivors.

Health professionals and camp authorities report that survivors often arrive in distress, grappling with guilt, fear, and anger in addition to their physical injuries. Patterns of trauma are widespread among children and families, many of whom describe life in displacement as overshadowed by fear of attack and repeated exposure to violence.

Aid workers also warn that even short trips outside displacement camps can expose children to grave risks, as armed militia operate with relative impunity in rural areas. In such environments, civilians particularly women and children are vulnerable to random violence, including sexual assault, abduction, and exploitation.

Justice for survivors remains elusive, with legal systems in conflict-affected regions described as largely absent or ineffective. Legal experts say that many survivors cannot identify their attackers, fear reprisals if they report abuses, or face corruption and delays that make prosecution unlikely. This lack of accountability further entrenches a climate of insecurity and impunity.

UNICEF’s warning adds to broader concerns over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC, where long-running conflict continues to disrupt daily life, displace communities, and expose children to multiple forms of exploitation and harm.