The rate of sexual violence against children has reached shockingly high levels, stated UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell briefing to the United Nations Security Council on the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
UNICEF estimates that during the most intense phase of this year’s conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour.
Reports from child protection partners show that children make up more than 40 per cent of the nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence reported in January and February alone, according to UNICEF.
“Bear in mind that these numbers represent only the cases that have been reported, the true figure is likely significantly higher, hidden beneath layers of fear, stigma, and insecurity. This clearly points to a systemic crisis in which rape and other forms of sexual violence are being used as a weapon of war to destroy lives, families and communities. Certainly, it should compel broad condemnation and urgent and collective action," - Russell said.
She added that cases of abductions of children also have increased sixfold between December 2024 and February of this year. These increases are accompanied by reports of other serious violations of children’s rights, including killing and maiming of children and threats by armed groups against children living on the street.
According to UNICEF, the significant escalation of conflict in the eastern region of the DRC has reached levels not seen in the last three decades. The intensifying violence has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, leaving millions of children at risk.
Since January, more than one million people – including an estimated 400,000 children – have been displaced by violence in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. This new wave of displacement comes in addition to the more than 5 million people in the region who were already living in displacement camps, where crowded and unsanitary conditions make the spread of diseases like mpox, cholera and measles much more likely.
"DRC remains the epicentre of the outbreak of the new mpox strain," - Russell stated and added that “unsurprisingly, the mpox response continues to be heavily impacted by the conflict."
For example, most of the 143 mpox patients in isolation units in Goma had to flee for safety, making it nearly impossible to provide them with care, and increasing the risk of the disease spreading, including beyond the DRC’s borders.
At the same time, healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed, and medical supplies are being quickly depleted – including Post-Exposure Prophylaxis or PEP kits used to treat rape survivors who may have been exposed to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, - UNICEF statement reads.
“Making matters worse, violence and insecurity are undermining the ability of humanitarian actors to consistently reach children and families in need. Threats and attacks against humanitarian workers are being exacerbated by widespread mis- and disinformation," - UNICEF Executive Director stated.
At least 11 humanitarian workers have been killed since January.
Humanitarian premises and warehouses have been looted, including the two mpox treatment centres supported by UNICEF in Goma, and UNICEF’s warehouse in Bukavu.
“Despite these challenges, UNICEF is staying and delivering for children and families in eastern DRC. Key operational staff have remained in Goma and Bukavu along with our NGO partners throughout the worst of the fighting," - Russell said.
In 2024, UNICEF received only 20 per cent of the funding required to address the urgent needs of children and families, leaving millions without access to life-saving aid, she stated and added: "Recently, we launched an urgent appeal for nearly $57 million to provide emergency assistance to children in the eastern DRC over the next three months."
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Gunfire shook Goma overnight as fighting flared between M23 rebels and pro-government forces.
Rwanda has expressed support for the M23 rebel group's decision to withdraw from the strategic mining town of Walikale in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and for the DRC's commitment to halting hostilities as part of ongoing peace efforts.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi is considering a sit-down with Rwanda backed armed group M23.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
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