Sexual violence against children rises alarmingly in DR Congo: UNICEF

IANS April 12, 2025 164 views

UNICEF has exposed a horrifying pattern of sexual violence against children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo during recent conflicts. The UN agency reports that a child is raped approximately every half-hour, with children comprising up to 45% of nearly 10,000 documented sexual violence cases. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder emphasized this is not an isolated issue but a systematic crisis targeting vulnerable populations. The organization is urgently calling for international action, survivor support, and accountability for perpetrators.

"We are talking about a systemic crisis... a weapon of war and deliberate tactic of terror" - James Elder, UNICEF
United Nations, April 12: A child was reported raped on average every 30 minutes during intense January and February fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said.

Key Points

1

- Child rape occurs every 30 minutes during eastern DR Congo conflict

UNICEF said on Friday that reports inidicated children make up 35 to 45 per cent of the nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence tallied in January and February, Xinhua news agency reported.

"During the most intense phase of this year's conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour," UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters at a UN briefing in Geneva.

"We are not talking about isolated incidents; we are talking about a systemic crisis. We are seeing survivors as young as toddlers. It is a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic of terror. And it destroys families and communities," Elder said.

And the figures may be just "the tip of the iceberg" because reports of crimes can be hidden beneath layers of fear, stigma, and insecurity, he added.

Elder called for the international community to take urgent and collective action against sexual violence. "We need additional prevention efforts, survivor-centerd services, and safe, accessible ways for survivors to report abuse without fear. Survivors must see the world stand with them, not turn away. And perpetrators must face justice," he said.

Reader Comments

M
Maria K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 How can anyone do this to children? The world needs to step up and protect these innocent lives. Thank you UNICEF for bringing attention to this crisis.
D
David T.
While the article raises important points, I wish it provided more concrete ways for ordinary people to help. Donating to UNICEF is great, but are there local organizations we can support too?
A
Aisha B.
These numbers are staggering. A child every 30 minutes?? We can't just read this and move on with our day. This requires immediate international intervention and accountability.
J
Jamal P.
The part about this being a "weapon of war" really hit me. This isn't just random violence - it's systematic terror. The international community needs to treat it as the war crime it is.
L
Lena S.
I appreciate UNICEF's work, but I worry media coverage of these atrocities might retraumatize survivors. I hope they're getting proper psychological support along with medical care.
T
Thomas R.
The "tip of the iceberg" comment is chilling. Makes you wonder how many cases go unreported. We need better systems for documentation and protection in conflict zones worldwide.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Child Sexual Violence DR Congo Conflict UNICEF James Elder Human Rights War Crimes
You May Like!