UNICEF Sounds Alarm Over Child Crisis in Eastern DR Congo
13 February, 2025:
UNICEF has issued an urgent warning about the dire situation facing children in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where ongoing violence and humanitarian crises have put millions of young lives at risk.
According to the UN agency, over 2.5 million children in the conflict-affected regions of North and South Kivu are facing extreme hardship, with over 800,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The ongoing clashes between armed groups, government forces, and militia have displaced hundreds of thousands of people, leaving children vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and disease.
“The children of eastern DRC are paying a heavy price for the conflict and instability that has plagued the region for years,” said Jean-Marie Mukunda, UNICEF Representative in the DRC. “They are being killed, maimed, recruited into armed groups, and denied access to basic services like healthcare and education.”
The report highlights the alarming levels of sexual violence against children, with over 10,000 cases reported in 2024 alone. Children are also being used as child soldiers, with estimates suggesting that over 1,000 children are currently fighting with armed groups.
UNICEF is calling for immediate action to address the crisis. The agency is urging parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect children from violence and exploitation. UNICEF is also calling for increased funding to provide essential services to children, including healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Mukunda. “The future of an entire generation of children is at stake.”
The international community has been urged to support the efforts of UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations to provide emergency assistance to children in eastern DRC. The UN Security Council is expected to meet next week to discuss the situation and consider possible sanctions against those responsible for violations against children.
UNICEF sounds alarm over child crisis in eastern DR Congo
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