The Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with a worsening crisis of sexual violence against children, according to a recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The agency’s findings indicate that over 35,000 cases of sexual violence against children were reported in the first nine months of 2025, highlighting the endemic and systemic nature of the problem.
Nationwide data compiled by protection and gender-based service providers reveals a disturbing trend, with children accounting for nearly 40 percent of all reported incidents of sexual violence in 2024. This represents a significant increase from 2022, with the number of cases almost tripleing. The conflict in the country is a major driver of this abuse, but the report notes that cases have been documented in every province, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
UNICEF is working in collaboration with the government and other partners to provide critical support to affected children, including clinical care, psychological support, and case management. In 2024, the agency reached over 24,000 children in the most affected provinces, offering them vital assistance. However, the organization warns that insecurity and global funding cuts may compromise these services, putting hundreds of thousands of children at risk, particularly in war-torn regions of eastern DRC.
The situation in the DRC is further complicated by the ongoing conflict, which has created a volatile environment that exacerbates the vulnerability of children to sexual violence. The reduction in services due to funding cuts would have severe consequences, including the loss of access to life-saving support for children in need. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is essential that the international community and stakeholders take concerted action to address the root causes of this crisis and ensure that affected children receive the support and protection they require. The DRC government, UNICEF, and other partners must work together to strengthen efforts to prevent sexual violence against children and provide them with the necessary care and support to recover from their experiences.