The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is committed to holding those responsible for violence against children accountable, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka has said, as the UN reports a sharp rise in abuses.
Speaking to Anadolu, Ms Tuluka denounced ongoing violence in eastern DRC, acknowledging reports of child executions and sexual violence. “We hope that justice will indeed be served,” she said, adding that the presence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor in Kinshasa could aid efforts.
The PM stressed that the Congolese army does not recruit children, but acknowledged reports of armed groups recruiting students in Goma. She said the government’s ability to intervene is “limited” due to areas being “arbitrarily occupied.”
Her comments come as the UN Human Rights Council has established a fact-finding mission to investigate violations. The UN human rights office has confirmed M23 rebels carried out “summary executions” of children.
UNICEF has also raised alarm, reporting a “tripled” increase in grave violations against children since January 24. They cited a surge in sexual violence, abductions, and attacks on schools and hospitals.
“Already, the DRC has one of the highest numbers of verified cases of child recruitment in conflict since global records began in 2005,” UNICEF stated.
The M23 group has intensified its control in eastern DRC, seizing key cities. The conflict has led to the deaths of thousands this year.