Alarming Rise in Violence and Child Recruitment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, UN Reports

Fahard also emphasized the “climate of terror” prevailing in Bukavu, making it difficult for parents to come forward and testify about the abuses suffered by their children. Feb 24, 2025 Photo: Al – Mayadeen

February 24, 2025 Hour: 7:06 pm

Additionally, cases of gang rapes of girls have been reported in both Goma and Bukavu, reflecting a chilling reality for the civilian population.

The United Nations has issued a warning about the increase in human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting an alarming rise in the recruitment of children, as well as kidnappings, killings, and acts of sexual violence. This crisis is further exacerbated by ongoing attacks by the rebel group known as the March 23 Movement (M23).

The UN Human Rights Office reported last week that “M23 fighters summarily executed three children in Bukavu,” although a spokesperson for the group has denied these allegations.

Patrice Fahard, head of the UN human rights office in Kinshasa, explained to Reuters that the victims were carrying weapons abandoned by soldiers, which further complicates the situation.

Both sides of the war, #M23 rebels and the #Congolese army, are accused of war crimes including murder and rape, as M23 militants up their offensive on east #Congo. https://t.co/kaHpYcc8QB
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 24, 2025

Fahard also emphasized the “climate of terror” prevailing in Bukavu, making it difficult for parents to come forward and testify about the abuses suffered by their children.

Additionally, cases of gang rapes of girls have been reported in both Goma and Bukavu, reflecting a chilling reality for the civilian population.

In a concerning statement, the head of communications for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Congo noted that, following the fall of Goma, 42 health facilities in the city and its surroundings reported 572 cases of rape, including 170 children.

This figure represents a significant increase compared to the 95 weekly rapes recorded in 2024 in the same facilities.

The situation in the DRC is critical, and the figures presented by the UN underscore the urgent need for an international response to protect the most vulnerable and ensure respect for human rights in a country marked by violence and instability.