Recent data reveals that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is on track to witness record-breaking levels of verified grave violations against children for the third consecutive year in 2023. Escalating violence, mass displacement, and the proximity of armed groups to communities are contributing to a distressing surge in cases involving the killing, maiming, and abduction of children.

During a week-long mission to the DRC, Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF’s Director of Child Protection, expressed concern over the intensifying atrocities against children, emphasising the urgency for the government and partners to intensify efforts in safeguarding civilians, especially vulnerable children.

The latest data indicates a 41% increase in verified grave violations against children in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year. Recruitment and use of children in armed groups spiked by 45%, while killing and maiming of children increased by 32%. Rape, sexual violence, and child abductions are also rising.

Since October 2022, escalating violence has forced 1.5 million people to flee eastern DRC, resulting in a total of 6.1 million displaced individuals. UNICEF, responding to the urgent needs, has provided mental health and psychosocial support to over 100,000 children and assisted more than 6,300 survivors of gender-based violence. Despite these efforts, UNICEF has only received 11% of the funds required for its child protection response, leaving critical needs unmet.