Escalating Sexual Violence Against Children in Eastern Congo Raises Alarms

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted a devastating surge in sexual violence against children in Eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and conflict are leading to severe humanitarian crises.

Sexual violence against children in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, according to a shocking report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). As violence fueled by ethnic tensions over land and mineral resources continues to plague the region, UNICEF revealed that health facilities in and around Goma recorded 170 instances of child rape in a single week from January 27 to February 2.

This alarming figure starkly contrasts with the average of just 95 cases reported in previous weeks, indicating a significant uptick in such horrific incidents, claimed Lianne Gutcher, UNICEF’s communication chief for the region. She indicated that the perpetrators, identified broadly as “armed men,” are affiliated with various factions embroiled in the ongoing conflict.

Compounding these issues, another aid organization, Save the Children, reported similar patterns of escalating violence against children throughout eastern Congo. These troubling developments occur as rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, rapidly expand their territorial control, forcing more than half a million people to flee their homes due to increased conflict.

The M23 rebel group, which captured Goma—a city of approximately three million people—at the end of January, claims to be providing protection for ethnic Tutsis, a minority group historically victimized in the region. Nevertheless, experts assert that their real motivations lie in the exploitation of Congo’s abundant natural resources.

UNICEF's executive director, Catherine Russell, expressed grave concern over the reports of extreme abuse against children, noting, “In North and South Kivu provinces, we are receiving horrific reports of grave violations against children, including rape and other forms of sexual violence at levels surpassing anything we have seen in recent years.” Russell also stated that medical facilities are running low on essential medications used to combat HIV infections resulting from assaults.

Save the Children further emphasized the scale of victimization, providing evidence that at least 18 girls experienced sexual violence in South Kivu, while a 16-year-old girl was reportedly killed while resisting armed assailants. One harrowing account involved a mother who recounted how her six daughters, the youngest only 12, were systematically raped as they searched for food.

Despite the chaos, the leaders of the rebel group maintain that they intend to restore order and security to the territories under their control.