On June 12, 2023, in the province of Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a camp for displaced people was attacked by rebels identified with the CODECO militia. This attack killed more than 45 people, including 23 children, according to the first reports cited by UNICEF, or just over 50% of the victims. At least seven people were injured, including three children. The rebels also burned down more than 800 shelters and stole cattle.
UNICEF and its partners in Ituri estimate that 5,000 children were affected by the attack, having lost their parents, siblings, homes and belongings, toys and school supplies. The conflict in Ituri began in 2017, but the situation has deteriorated significantly since the start of 2023, with armed groups targeting civilians, schools and hospitals. Over the past six months, approximately 600 civilians have been killed and more than 200 have been injured. The safety and protection of children are thus becoming an increasingly pressing concern. Ituri now ranks second among the 26 provinces in the DRC that have recorded the highest number of UN-verified grave violations against children.
UNICEF is responding to the humanitarian needs of displaced people and host communities in eastern DRC. Following the attack, UNICEF and its partners are identifying and caring for children who have lost their parents and families, and providing psychological support to injured children and their parents. They also treat injured children who have not been hospitalized. Thanks to UNICEF’s Rapid Response Mechanism, 800 shelters will be made available to affected families within 72 hours.
This sad news reflects the situation of violence in which the country finds itself, where the number of victims caused by armed groups is only increasing. Several local and international organizations have called for action to put an end to this situation of insecurity and preserve the lives of the civilian population. The Congolese government is also called upon to strengthen the security and protection of children and their families