UNICEF WARNS OF WORSENING CHILD PROTECTION CRISIS IN DR CONGO

KIGALI (Rwanda), March 26 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- UNICEF on Wednesday warned of the worsening child protection crisis and rising threats to humanitarian workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating violence in the east of the country, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s West and Central Africa regional director, made the remarks after the conclusion of a five-day visit to the country, where he met with government authorities and representatives of AFC/M23 rebels.

Their discussions focused on the significant progress made and the remaining challenges in terms of children's rights in Congo, according to a statement.

The UN's latest data shows that more than 7 million people are displaced in eastern Congo, including 2.5 million children.

In 2024, nearly 4,000 serious violations of children's rights were recorded, with children representing more than 40 per cent of victims of sexual violence, the data shows.

“Attacks on schools, health facilities, and civilian infrastructure continue to increase, depriving children of safety and essential services,” the statement said.

The children’s agency also raised an alarm on increasing violence affecting humanitarian operations.

In 2025, more than 626 incidents affecting humanitarian actors were recorded nationwide, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“Attacks on aid workers are not just targeting aid workers; they are targeting children and families who depend on life-saving assistance,” Fagninou said.

“Every time access is blocked, it is food, water and medicine that do not reach those who need it most."

According to the UN, civilians in Congo are under attack by numerous armed groups, notably the M23 rebels, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and the CODECO militia group.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU