UNICEF: Child Sexual Abuse in DRC ‘Endemic and Worsening’Dateline: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo — 2025-12-31 Lead Paragraph Sexual violence against children has reached alarming levels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to UNICEF.
The agency’s report, released on Tuesday, reveals over 35,000 cases of child sexual abuse in the first nine months of 2025, with children accounting for nearly 40% of all reported incidents of sexual violence, tripling the figure from 2022. Body.
UNICEF’s report, compiled from data gathered by protection and gender-based service providers, indicates a pervasive and worsening problem.
Conflict is a significant driver of the abuse, but cases have been documented across all provinces in the DRC. UNICEF, in collaboration with the government and other partners, provides clinical care, psychological support, and case management to affected children.
In 2024, the agency reported reaching over 24,000 children in the worst-affected regions.
However, UNICEF warned that insecurity and global funding cuts may reduce these services.
The agency cautioned that these cuts could put hundreds of thousands of children at risk, particularly in the eastern regions of the DRC, which are already war — torn.
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The situation in the DRC remains critical, with UNICEF calling for increased support to protect children from sexual violence.
The agency also urged for sustained funding to ensure that children receive the necessary care and support.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
