UN Expresses Concern Over Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in DRC

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UNICEF estimates that during the most intense phase of this year’s conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour, she said. This points to a systemic crisis in which rape and other forms of sexual violence are being used as a weapon of war to destroy lives, families, and communities.

The United Nations has raised alarm over the deepening humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), highlighting disturbing levels of violence, mass displacement, and a systematic use of sexual violence against children and women.

Speaking during a UN Security Council meeting focused on the Great Lakes region, top UN officials painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground, where a fragile ceasefire continues to be violated and diplomatic efforts have yet to bring lasting peace.

UNICEF estimates that during the most intense phase of this year’s conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour, she said. This points to a systemic crisis in which rape and other forms of sexual violence are being used as a weapon of war to destroy lives, families, and communities.

She added that there has been a 100% increase in verified grave violations against children in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. These violations include indiscriminate attacks, mass abductions, and forced recruitment of children, as well as widespread sexual violence.

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The conflict has also disrupted the response to a new strain of mpox, with patients fleeing isolation units in Goma, raising concerns about cross-border transmission.