UNICEF Reports Escalating Sexual Violence Against Children in Eastern Congo Conflict

Over 10,000 cases of sexual violence, nearly half involving minors, have been documented in early 2025 as humanitarian aid dwindles and rebel attacks intensify.

UNICEF has highlighted systematic sexual violence against minors, including kindergarten-aged children, by fighters in eastern Congo.
In January and February 2025 alone, over 10,000 cases of sexual violence were reported, with nearly 45% involving minors.
The M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has captured Goma, displacing more than 230,000 people and intensifying the conflict.
A 13-year-old rape survivor required a cesarean section due to physical undevelopment, underscoring the devastating impact of the violence on children.
Cuts to international humanitarian aid are severely limiting medical care for survivors, including treatments to prevent HIV infections.