The brutal attack on a camp for displaced people in the province of Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has horrified the United Nations Children’s Organization (UNICEF). According to the first reports cited by the organization, the attack on the Lala camp for displaced people caused the death of more than 45 people, including 23 children, or just over 50% of the victims. In addition to these deaths and the seven wounded, the rebels burned down more than 800 shelters and stole livestock.
The consequences for children are horrific: UNICEF estimates that 5,000 children were affected by this attack, having lost their parents, siblings, homes, belongings, toys, and school supplies. The trauma experienced by these children is unimaginable and it is unacceptable that families who have fled their homes once are still being targeted.
The situation in Ituri has deteriorated considerably since the start of 2023, with armed groups targeting civilians, schools, and hospitals. Since the beginning of the conflict in 2017, around 600 civilians have been killed and more than 200 injured. The safety and protection of children has become an increasingly pressing concern, positioning Ituri as the second Congolese province with 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. Thanks to the Rapid Response Mechanism, 800 shelters will be made available to affected families within 72 hours.
The United Nations urges the government to strengthen the protection of children and their families and to hold perpetrators to account.
This attack highlights the need to continue efforts to end violence in Ituri and preserve the safety and protection of children