In a harrowing revelation that underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations has condemned the widespread molestation and rape of children amid the intensifying conflict in the region. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has described the scale of sexual violence against minors as unprecedented, urging immediate international intervention.
James Elder, UNICEF spokesperson, speaking from Goma via a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, described the situation as a “systemic crisis” that is spiraling out of control. According to Elder, preliminary reports indicate that children accounted for a staggering 35 to 45 percent of nearly 10,000 cases of sexual violence recorded in just the first two months of 2025.
“During the most intense phase of this year’s conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour,” Elder said, highlighting the gravity of the situation. “This is not just a violation of human rights — it is a calculated weapon of war being wielded against the most vulnerable.”
The DRC has endured decades of armed conflict, especially in its eastern provinces. Recently, tensions have escalated due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which the Congolese government and several international actors accuse Rwanda of supporting — a charge Kigali continues to deny.
This renewed conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands, destroyed communities, and exposed children and women to escalating levels of violence, particularly sexual abuse. The M23’s offensive has reportedly led to the breakdown of law enforcement and protective institutions, leaving civilians at the mercy of armed groups.
In one of the most distressing aspects of UNICEF’s report, Elder noted that some of the survivors of sexual violence were “as young as toddlers.” He described the ongoing assaults not as isolated incidents, but as part of a deliberate, systemic use of rape as a tool of terror and social destabilization.
“It destroys families and communities. The stigma attached to these crimes leaves survivors isolated and mentally scarred. Worse still, many of them are too afraid to report the abuse,” he added.
UNICEF warns that the actual number of victims may be significantly higher than reported, citing deep-seated fear, stigma, and lack of access to reporting channels as key barriers.
Elder emphasized the urgent need for the international community to respond with decisive action, including increasing funding for survivor-centered services such as counseling, safe shelters, medical care, and legal support.
“We need to create safe, accessible ways for survivors to report abuse without fear of retaliation. Survivors must see that the world stands with them, not turns away. And those responsible for these atrocities must face justice,” he declared.
Human rights organizations have echoed these calls, urging the United Nations Security Council to prioritize protection of children and women in the region and to impose sanctions on armed groups responsible for the violence.
Despite multiple peacekeeping missions and international efforts to stabilize eastern Congo, impunity remains rampant. Armed groups often operate with little to no accountability, while survivors of sexual violence are often left without justice or support.
The UN Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), whose mandate includes civilian protection, has faced criticism over its limited capacity and declining presence in high-risk zones. Activists argue that a more robust response — both politically and militarily — is needed to protect civilians and curb the growing tide of violence.
In response to the UN’s statements, several humanitarian groups, including Amnesty International and Save the Children, have issued calls for immediate investigations and prosecution of those responsible. There are also renewed demands for donor nations to step up funding for humanitarian relief efforts in the DRC.
As the world watches and waits, the fate of thousands of vulnerable children in eastern DRC hangs in the balance. With reports of rape and molestation reaching historic highs, international actors face mounting pressure to intervene, not just with aid, but with concrete steps toward justice and accountability.
The UN’s alarm is a clear wake-up call: the time for silence has passed. What remains is the moral responsibility of nations, organizations, and global citizens to respond — swiftly, decisively, and with compassion.