Eastern DRC Faces Unprecedented Surge in Child Sexual Violence During Conflict

UNICEF warns that a child is raped every half hour as funding gaps threaten critical protection services for 250,000 vulnerable children.

Nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence were reported in eastern DRC in January and February 2025, with children accounting for 35-45% of victims.
UNICEF reports that sexual violence is being used systematically as a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic of terror in the region.
The M23 rebel group’s rapid offensive since January has resulted in over 3,000 deaths, mass displacement, and heightened humanitarian needs.
UNICEF warns of critical funding gaps that could deprive 250,000 children of essential gender-based violence and conflict protection services within 12 weeks.
International scrutiny grows over allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies, as peace talks occur in Qatar.