The United Nations has raised fresh concerns over the widespread rape of children in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In the first two months of 2025 alone, nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence were reported in the region. According to James Elder of UNICEF, children made up about 35 to 45 percent of those cases.
“The rate of sexual violence against children has never been higher,” Elder said during a press briefing from Geneva. He had just returned from Goma, one of the hardest-hit areas.
Eastern Congo has battled decades of conflict, but recent months have been worse. The M23 rebel group has been advancing, making life more dangerous for civilians. The international community accuses Rwanda of backing the group, but Rwanda denies it.
Children Attacked Every 30 Minutes, Says UNICEF
UNICEF’s James Elder gave a grim update on what’s happening on the ground.
“Early reports show that children make up between 35% to 45% of the nearly 10,000 cases… in just January and February of this year,” he said.
“During the most intense phase of this year’s conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour.”
During the most intense phase of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a child was raped every 30 minutes.
— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) April 11, 2025
"The rate of sexual violence against children has never been higher," warns @UNICEF spokesperson @1james_elder from Goma. pic.twitter.com/bbFIor0veV
The violence is not random or occasional. Elder said this is not just a crisis — it is a planned method of war.
“We are not talking about isolated incidents,” he said. “We are seeing survivors as young as toddlers.”
He called it “a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic of terror. And it destroys families and communities.”
UN Calls for Justice, Protection, and Help for Survivors
UNICEF fears the numbers could be even worse than what’s reported.
“These shocking figures may just be the tip of the iceberg,” Elder warned. “They’re hidden under layers of fear, stigma, and insecurity.”
He urged the global community to act.
More than 50,000 child slaves in Congo 🇨🇩 are forced to work in cobalt mines so that people can drive electric cars and use mobile phones
— African Hub (@AfricanHub_) January 30, 2025
These minerals are looted out of the country to big foreign tech companies. Most of these children have been abused sexually by foreign… pic.twitter.com/f8U9kQRG9j
“This should shake us to our core. Certainly it should compel urgent and collective action,” he said.
Elder called for stronger protection systems, safe ways for survivors to speak out, and justice for the people responsible.
“Survivors must see the world stand with them, not turn away,” he said. “And perpetrators must face justice.”
The UN wants survivors to receive services focused on their healing. It also wants to prevent more children from going through such horror.
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