UNICEF denounced the alarming rise in violence against children in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Friday, expressing concern that thousands of minors have suffered sexual violence, abductions, and forced recruitment by armed groups in the ongoing conflict.

UNICEF stated: “[W]e 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 noted that as families across the eastern DRC face ongoing violence from armed groups, thousands of children have been separated from their families and exposed to increased risks of abduction and sexual violence.

UNICEF added: “Parties to the conflict must immediately cease and prevent grave rights violations against children. They must also take concrete measures to protect civilians and infrastructure critical to their survival – in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

As clashes between the M23 rebel group and government forces continue in the country, over 2.8 million people have fled their homes. As a result, children have faced extreme vulnerability for years. In September 2023, UNICEF representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Grant Leaity recalled meeting a pair of orphaned one-year-old twins suffering from severe acute malnutrition. He noted that the children, who had been released from armed groups, were found with explosive devices attached to their bodies.

The UN Secretary-General’s 2008 report on children and armed conflict in the DRC highlighted that armed forces and armed groups continuously recruit and use children, particularly when hostilities break out in some areas. Humanitarian organizations, however, struggle to assist affected children. Since insecurity in the region blocks aid teams from reaching many areas, thousands remain without protection or essential services.

Amnesty International is therefore urging parties to the conflict to prioritise the protection of civilians amid the devastating violence. The rights group stated: “Any peace initiative from the international community must include concrete mechanisms to prevent human rights violations. It must also ensure that those responsible for abuses in the conflict are brought to justice.”