Nearly 10,000 cases of sexual violence have been reported in eastern Congo this year, with children, including toddlers, making up more than a third of the victims, according to UNICEF.
The U.N. children’s agency described the widespread sexual violence as a “weapon of war” used by rebel groups, particularly the M23, which has intensified its control over parts of eastern Congo.
This violence occurs every 30 minutes, leaving children as young as toddlers among the victims.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder emphasized that this is not a series of isolated incidents but a systemic crisis.
“We are talking about a deliberate tactic of terror,” Elder said.
The violence is part of a broader humanitarian catastrophe that has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands.
As the conflict continues, many survivors face a grim reality: a lack of access to crucial medical care.
Elder noted that in one hospital, 127 rape survivors had no access to medical kits that could prevent HIV infection.
The funding shortage, exacerbated by cuts in international aid, has left humanitarian programs unable to fully support the survivors.
Elder warned that without increased funding, the lives of vulnerable children and adults remain at risk.
The crisis in eastern Congo continues to escalate, demanding urgent international attention and resources to address the widespread suffering.