Faith Nyasuguta
The United Nations is sounding the alarm over a shocking rise in child rape in eastern Congo, warning of a growing humanitarian crisis worsened by war and funding cuts. In just the first two months of the year, nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence were reported, more than a third involving children, including toddlers.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder described the situation as a “systemic crisis,” stating that sexual violence is being used as a “weapon of war” with horrifying frequency. “Every 30 minutes, a woman or child is raped,” Elder told reporters at a Geneva press briefing. “This is not a string of isolated incidents. This is deliberate, targeted, and widespread.”
The surge in violence comes as the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group continues its deadly campaign in the region. Their renewed offensive in early 2025 has led to mass displacement and killings, including the deaths of children. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety in makeshift camps that offer little protection.
Ground data collected by organizations specializing in sexual violence reveal that between 35% and 45% of all reported cases involve victims under 18. Aid workers say even babies and toddlers are being brutally assaulted.
Making matters worse, international funding cuts have crippled the response. Major donors, including the United States, have scaled back support for humanitarian programs, leaving hospitals and clinics overwhelmed. Elder described visiting one hospital in Goma where 127 rape survivors, many of them children, had no access to basic post-rape care kits, essential in preventing HIV transmission.
“This is not just a funding issue,” Elder stressed. “It’s a matter of life and death. We are failing the most vulnerable.”
UNICEF is calling for urgent international attention and increased support to respond to the deepening crisis. Without immediate action, Elder warned, the violence will continue unchecked, and thousands more children will suffer.
The situation in Congo highlights the devastating impact of conflict on children and how sexual violence is being used as a cruel and calculated tactic of war. The UN’s message is clear: this cannot be ignored.
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