Thousands of Children Have Been Raped and Sexually Abused in Eastern Congo, UNICEF Says
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a heartbreaking report revealing that thousands of children have been raped and sexually abused in eastern Congo, where years of conflict have created a devastating humanitarian crisis. According to UNICEF, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is witnessing an alarming surge in sexual violence against children, particularly in the eastern provinces, where armed groups continue to terrorize communities.
The UNICEF report states that both girls and boys have been subjected to horrific acts of sexual abuse, often as a result of the ongoing conflict, displacement, and lawlessness in the region. Many children are abducted, assaulted, or coerced into sexual slavery by militias and criminal elements operating in the area. Others fall victim while seeking food or shelter after being forced to flee their homes.
UNICEF calls the scale of abuse “staggering” and warns that the actual number of cases may be far higher due to underreporting, stigma, and fear. The organization is urging the international community to take immediate action to protect vulnerable children and to support survivors with medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance.
Background Information
1. The Conflict in Eastern Congo
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Eastern Congo, particularly the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, has been plagued by armed conflict for decades. Dozens of rebel groups and militias operate in the region, driven by competition over land, minerals, and ethnic tensions.
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The instability has displaced millions of people, many of whom live in dire conditions without adequate protection or access to basic services. Children, especially those separated from their families, are particularly at risk of violence, exploitation, and sexual abuse.
2. UNICEF’s Findings on Sexual Violence
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UNICEF has documented thousands of cases of sexual violence against children in 2023 alone, with many survivors between the ages of 6 and 17. The assaults include rape, gang rape, forced marriages, and sexual slavery.
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In many cases, perpetrators are members of armed groups, but there have also been reports of abuse by individuals in host communities or displacement camps, where security is limited.
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UNICEF emphasizes that rape is being used as a weapon of war, meant to terrorize communities and destabilize families. Survivors are often left traumatized, injured, and rejected by their communities.
3. Underreporting and Cultural Barriers
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Due to cultural stigma, fear of retaliation, and the lack of accessible reporting systems, many victims do not come forward. As a result, UNICEF believes the true number of sexually abused children may be significantly higher than official records show.
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Families are often reluctant to report abuse due to shame or fear that their child will be further traumatized by the legal system or rejected by the community.
4. Impact on Children and Communities
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The psychological and physical effects of sexual violence on children are devastating. Many survivors suffer from long-term trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), infections, and unwanted pregnancies.
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The lack of access to medical care, mental health services, and safe shelter makes recovery extremely difficult. In many cases, children are left without support, further compounding their suffering.
5. UNICEF’s Call to Action
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UNICEF is calling on the Congolese government, regional partners, and the international community to prioritize the protection of children in conflict zones. Key recommendations include:
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Strengthening security in displacement camps and vulnerable communities
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Expanding access to survivor-centered care, including medical treatment and counseling
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Ensuring justice through the prosecution of perpetrators
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Providing education and livelihood opportunities for at-risk children and their families
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6. Global Response and Accountability
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The international response has been limited, with humanitarian agencies struggling to secure adequate funding to respond to the scale of the crisis. UNICEF and its partners are urgently appealing for increased support to provide emergency services to child survivors of sexual violence.
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Human rights organizations are also calling for greater accountability, including investigations into the abuses and the enforcement of international humanitarian law to protect civilians in conflict.