Children in eastern Congo are being subjected to extreme violence, including murder and sexual assault, as the region’s armed conflict intensifies. The United Nations and humanitarian groups report that militia groups are deliberately targeting children, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
“The scale of violence against children is unimaginable,” a UN official said. Reports confirm that armed groups in North Kivu, Ituri, and South Kivu provinces are committing widespread atrocities.
Eastern Congo has been plagued by armed conflicts for decades, with over 120 militant groups fighting for territory and resources. The latest wave of violence has forced thousands to flee, overwhelming refugee camps.
UNICEF warns that children are being recruited as soldiers, subjected to forced labor, and used as human shields. Girls are especially vulnerable to rape and other forms of sexual violence.
“This war is destroying an entire generation,” a humanitarian worker in Goma said. He described cases of young girls being abducted and assaulted by armed fighters.
The ongoing conflict between government forces and the M23 rebel group has worsened conditions in the region. Clashes have displaced nearly 7 million people, the highest number recorded in Congo’s history.
Many children have been separated from their families while fleeing attacks. Aid workers say the lack of security makes it nearly impossible to protect them.
Sexual violence in the conflict has reached alarming levels. Doctors Without Borders reports treating hundreds of rape survivors, many of them children under 12 years old.
“We see victims arriving every day,” a doctor at a local clinic said. He added that medical supplies are running low due to the growing number of cases.
International organizations have called for immediate action to protect civilians, particularly women and children. The UN is urging all parties to stop using sexual violence as a weapon of war.
Despite peacekeeping efforts, the situation continues to deteriorate. The UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, known as MONUSCO, has struggled to contain the violence.
Local activists blame the government for failing to protect civilians. They argue that weak law enforcement allows armed groups to operate freely.
The Congolese army has launched operations to regain control of rebel-held areas, but progress has been slow. Militants continue to launch surprise attacks, terrorizing villages.
Survivors recount horrifying experiences of being captured and abused by fighters. Many fear speaking out due to the risk of retaliation.
“We need justice for these children,” a human rights advocate in Kinshasa said. He urged the international community to hold perpetrators accountable.
Aid agencies are struggling to provide support due to funding shortages. Many refugee camps lack food, clean water, and medical care.
The UN has warned that without urgent intervention, the crisis will continue to escalate. More than 25 million people in Congo already need humanitarian assistance.
Western governments have pledged aid, but logistical challenges make delivering supplies difficult. Armed groups frequently attack aid convoys, limiting access to affected areas.
Calls for stronger international intervention are growing. Some leaders are pushing for additional sanctions against those responsible for war crimes.
For now, children remain among the most vulnerable victims of the conflict. Their future depends on whether the world takes action to stop the violence.
