The United Nations has released alarming statistics indicating that thousands of children have been victims of rape and sexual violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the first two months of 2025. The situation is dire, with reports revealing that a child was assaulted every 30 minutes due to escalating violence between armed groups and government forces. According to UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, children represent between 35% to 45% of the nearly 10,000 reported cases of sexual violence during this period.

The conflict, exacerbated by the M23 rebel group's recent territorial gains, has led to heightened levels of violence and humanitarian crises. In just January and February, approximately 3,000 people were reported killed, and hundreds of thousands displaced. Elder emphasized that these numbers are likely only a fraction of the true toll, as cultural stigma and fear prevent many from coming forward. He stated, “We are not talking about isolated incidents, we are talking about a systemic crisis,” a sentiment echoed by multiple reports on the deeply troubling situation in the region.

Elder pointed out that sexual violence has been increasingly used as “a weapon of war”, creating an atmosphere of terror among populations in conflict zones, particularly targeting children and their families. The need for comprehensive and urgent action has never been more critical, with UNICEF warning that deep funding cuts could deprive approximately 250,000 children of essential services related to gender-based violence and protection in armed conflict.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis has resulted in an urgent appeal for international support, with Elder urging that “behind each number is a scared, hungry, defenseless child” along with their struggling families. The international community’s inaction, he warned, could exacerbate the crisis even further.

As efforts for peace negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels continue, the situation remains perilous, with the possibility of an expanded regional conflict looming over the already suffering population. For further information, visit Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, TRT Global, and Africanews.