Serious violations against children in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023: an alarming situation
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing an unprecedented crisis of violence, with a worrying increase in serious violations committed against children. The country is on track to record record levels of verified violence against children for the third consecutive year in 2023, according to a recent UNICEF report.
The figures are alarming: during the first half of the year, the number of serious violations verified against children increased by 41% compared to the same period of the previous year. In 2022, 2,420 children were victims of this violence, but if the trend continues, this figure could be exceeded this year.
The recruitment and use of children by armed groups is also on the rise, with a 45% increase in the first six months of the year. In 2022, 1,545 children, some as young as 5 years old, were recorded as having been recruited and used by these groups. Child murder and mutilation also increased by 32% compared to last year, with 699 cases recorded.
Acts of sexual violence against children and kidnappings have also increased in the DRC. In 2022, the country recorded the highest number of verified cases of sexual violence against children committed by armed forces and armed groups. In addition, 730 children were kidnapped, making this year the record year for kidnappings verified by the United Nations in the country.
These alarming statistics highlight the urgency of action to protect children in the DRC. UNICEF and other organizations are calling on the government to step up efforts to prevent and end these serious violations. Partners and donors are also invited to support prevention and intervention actions for the most vulnerable children.
The situation in the DRC is all the more worrying as the violence has led to massive population displacements. Since the violence began in October 2022, 1.5 million people have been forced to flee, depriving them of their homes, livelihoods and communities. Among them, many children have been deprived of access to education.
It is essential that the international community becomes aware of this situation and steps up its efforts to help the DRC protect its children. Concrete measures must be taken to prevent the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, as well as to combat sexual violence and kidnappings.
In conclusion, it is urgent to put an end to the serious violations committed against children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Protecting the country’s most vulnerable, the country’s children, must be a top priority, and this requires coordinated action from government, partners and donors. The DRC needs international support to end this crisis and offer children a better future.