More than a third of nearly 10,000 reported cases of rape and sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during the first two months of 2025 involved children — including toddlers — the United Nations children’s agency said Friday.
UNICEF described the crisis as widespread and systemic, with sexual violence occurring at an alarming frequency as armed groups continue to battle for territory in the region. The M23 rebel group, in particular, has seized parts of eastern Congo in a rapid offensive that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands, including many children.
Speaking from Goma via video link, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva that sexual violence is being used “as a weapon of war,” with incidents occurring, on average, every 30 minutes.
“We are not talking about isolated incidents,” Elder said. “We are talking about a systemic crisis.” Citing a database maintained by frontline organizations, Elder said between 35 to 45 percent of the victims were under the age of 18.
Elder also highlighted severe funding shortfalls that are hindering efforts to provide critical medical care to survivors. At one hospital he visited, 127 rape survivors had no access to post-rape treatment kits that can prevent HIV infection if administered promptly.
“The gaps in funding are life-threatening,” he said.
While Elder did not specify the cause of the shortfalls, significant cuts to foreign aid by major donors, including the United States, have recently impacted humanitarian programs around the world.
Eastern Congo has long been plagued by conflict, with dozens of armed groups operating in the region and civilians often bearing the brunt of the violence.
