KINSHASA, DRC, 15 February 2025: Children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are being subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence by armed groups, UNICEF said as M23 rebels expand their offensive, clashing with Congolese forces and allied militias.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, in an urgent appeal, called for an immediate end to the violence as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels continue expanding their control, clashing with Congolese forces and allied militias.
"In North and South Kivu provinces, we are receiving horrific reports of grave violations against children, including rape and other forms of sexual violence at levels surpassing anything we have seen in recent years," Russell stated.
Sharing survivor testimonies, Russell recounted one mother’s account to UNICEF staff: "Her six daughters, the youngest just 12 years old, were systematically raped by armed men while searching for food."
The crisis continues to intensify as M23, which seized North Kivu’s capital, Goma, last month, pushes further south.
According to the UN, thousands have been killed, and tens of thousands more displaced.
UNICEF’s partners in the region reported that from January 27 to February 2, the number of rape cases treated across 42 health facilities increased five-fold.
"Of those treated, 30 percent were children," Russell noted, adding that the actual figures are likely much higher due to the reluctance of survivors to come forward.
UNICEF’s Chief of Communication in DRC, Lianne Gutcher, told The Associated Press that of the 572 rape cases reported, 170 involved children.
"It is suspected that all parties to the conflict committed sexual violence," she said.
Ramatou Toure, UNICEF’s chief of child protection in DRC, described the situation as "extremely worrying" and said armed groups are using sexual violence as "weapons of war."
She further stated that some victims include boys.
As fighting displaces thousands, hundreds of children have been separated from their families, exposing them to further risks.
In the past two weeks alone, over 1,100 unaccompanied children have been identified in North and South Kivu.
With the ‘rebel’ offensive widening, concerns over forced recruitment of minors are also rising.
Reports indicate that children as young as 12 are being enlisted or coerced into combat. "Parties to the conflict must immediately cease and prevent grave rights violations against children," Russell urged.
M23, which UN experts say is backed by Rwanda, resumed its military campaign in late 2022, swiftly seizing territory in eastern DRC.
Claiming to fight for the interests of ethnic Tutsis, the group has continued its offensive despite repeated calls from regional leaders to end hostilities.