DRC: Child Rights Violations Surge in South Kivu – UNICEF

UNICEF raises alarm over the rising cases of violence and rights violations against children in South Kivu, DRC, calling for urgent action.

UNICEF reports that renewed conflict in South Kivu province, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has compelled over 850,000 individuals—almost half of whom are children—to leave their homes.

Many people are living in precarious conditions, seeking refuge in schools, churches, or even outdoors. They have limited access to clean water and sanitation services as well as healthcare and education.

The continuous violence in the province has resulted in a significant increase in severe violations against children.

Since January 2025, verified cases have soared, showing an increase of roughly 150 percent compared to December 2024.

These violations comprise sexual violence, killings, maiming, as well as the recruitment and utilization of children by armed groups.

In March, UNICEF’s Representative in the DRC traveled to the eastern region to observe firsthand the effects of the crisis in Bukavu and evaluate UNICEF’s enhanced response efforts.