Name: UNICEF warns of rise in sexual violence in Eastern DRC
Uploaded: 2026-01-05T17:35:17.183Z
Duration: 2 min 32 s
Description: UNICEF is warning that sexual violence against children has reached alarming levels at the Rhoo displacement camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as prolonged conflict and insecurity continue to devastate civilian life.

UNICEF is warning that sexual violence against children has reached alarming levels at the Rhoo displacement camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as prolonged conflict and insecurity continue to devastate civilian life.

Kinshasa

UNICEF has raised concerns about a sharp increase in sexual violence against children in the Rue displacement camp in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The agency links the rise in abuse to three decades of conflict in the region, including recent advances by the M23 armed group. 

Displaced families face daily risks, with civilians vulnerable to attacks and sexual violence by armed militiamen. Many victims do not know their attackers and fear reprisals if they report the crimes, while a slow and corruption-plagued legal system offers little recourse for justice.

UNICEF warns of rise in sexual violence in Eastern DRC

UNICEF is sounding the alarm, warning that sexual violence against children has reached alarming levels in the Rue displacement camp in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The agency says three decades of conflict in the region, where the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group has recently seized large areas, is driving much of the abuse. I was 13 years old when the rape happened. And today I am 14. On my way back from school, my aunt sent me to fetch vegetables from the field. I was alone when I met a stranger who roped me and fled. When I returned, I told my parents, who took me for treatment. I was treated and then returned home. After the rape, I had severe stomach pain. And when I was given medication, it relieved me a little bit. Camp authorities say emotional turmoil has taken hold among displaced families. When the victims arrive, they are first sad. Afterwards, there is also fear, because there are many people here at the site. We also see feelings of guilt affecting the victims. And sometimes there is anger as well. For the displaced, survival is a daily risk. Authorities say even moving a few meters beyond the camp can be dangerous with civilians facing threats of attack, killing or sexual violence from armed militiamen. When women are raped, especially by militiamen, most do not know the perpetrator or do not know him before. They will only say that they were raped by a man from such-and-such militia, but cannot go further. At that stage, it already takes great courage for survivors to report a militiaman, because they fear reprisals that may follow complaints or legal action. Justice often feels out of reach. In Eastern DRC, a slow and corruption-plagued legal system is largely absent when conflict hits rural areas like Rouen.

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