The situation in Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is worrying. On June 12, 2023, a camp for displaced people was attacked, killing more than 45 people, including 23 children. Rebels from the CODECO militia burned down more than 800 shelters and stole livestock.
UNICEF and its local partners took care of the humanitarian needs of the victims, in particular the children who lost their parents, siblings, homes and belongings. Thanks to UNICEF’s Rapid Response Mechanism, 800 shelters will be made available to affected families within 72 hours.
It is unacceptable that these families, who have already fled their homes once, are again the direct target of violence. The conflict in Ituri has persisted since 2017 and the situation has deteriorated considerably since the beginning of 2023. Armed groups are targeting civilians, schools and hospitals. The safety and protection of children is becoming more and more urgent.
The DRC faces many challenges, particularly in the fight against sexual violence, economic growth and issues related to the education of children. Initiatives such as the National Test for Academic and Vocational Selection and Orientation (TENASOSP) are put in place to enable students to seize educational and professional opportunities.
However, the country also faces social challenges, such as LGBT violence. Decorating the DRC Mining Week event led to a protest against homosexuality. Citizens demand security measures to protect the country’s economic future.
The situation in the DRC is complex and requires special attention, particularly with regard to the protection of children and the fight against violence