{"id":4336,"date":"2025-04-14T18:55:02","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T18:55:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=4336"},"modified":"2025-04-14T18:55:02","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T18:55:02","slug":"unicef-sounds-alarm-on-child-rape-crisis-in-eastern-drc-a-child-reportedly-raped-every-half-hour-amid-escalating-conflict-and-funding-collapse-gy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=4336","title":{"rendered":"UNICEF Sounds Alarm on Child Rape Crisis in Eastern DRC: A Child Reportedly Raped Every Half Hour Amid Escalating Conflict and Funding Collapse gy"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

UNICEF Sounds Alarm on Child Rape Crisis in Eastern DRC: A Child Reportedly Raped Every Half Hour Amid Escalating Conflict and Funding Collapse.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

GENEVA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a harrowing update from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that the rate of sexual violence against children in the country\u2019s eastern conflict zones has reached catastrophic levels, with initial data suggesting that a child was raped every 30 minutes<\/strong> during the most intense period of fighting this year.<\/p>\n

Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder<\/strong> described the crisis as \u201ca systemic and deliberate campaign of terror\u201d<\/strong> being inflicted on children. Based on reports from local protection actors, nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence<\/strong> were documented in just January and February 2025<\/strong>, with children accounting for 35 to 45 percent<\/strong> of victims.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are not talking about isolated incidents; we are talking about a systemic crisis,\u201d said Elder. \u201cWe are seeing survivors as young as toddlers. It is a weapon of war and a deliberate tactic of terror.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The staggering figures only reflect the reported cases. UNICEF warns the true scale is likely far greater<\/strong>, masked by layers of fear, stigma, and insecurity<\/strong>. The emotional and physical toll on child survivors is compounded by a growing humanitarian funding crisis, leaving many without access to even the most basic medical and psychological care.<\/p>\n

Funding Crisis Jeopardizing Lives<\/strong><\/p>\n

UNICEF has issued an urgent appeal for global support<\/strong>, warning that unless new funding is secured within the next 12 weeks<\/strong>, over 250,000 children<\/strong> will lose access to critical gender-based violence services and protection programs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Elder recounted a recent visit to a hospital where 127 rape survivors, including children<\/strong>, had no access to PEP kits<\/strong> (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis to prevent HIV). “That is a direct consequence of rapid funding cuts,” he said, “and it means girls and women are enduring unimaginable horrors without even basic care.”<\/p>\n

He shared the story of a 13-year-old girl<\/strong>, raped and impregnated during the conflict, who had to undergo a caesarean section due to her young age. \u201c\u2018I am a girl. I don\u2019t know how to be a mother,\u2019\u201d she told Elder\u2014words that now haunt UNICEF\u2019s warning to the world.<\/p>\n

Health Gains at Risk of Reversal<\/strong><\/p>\n

UNICEF cautioned that the broader health and development system<\/strong> in DRC\u2014bolstered by years of humanitarian investment\u2014is now in danger of unraveling<\/strong>. Without urgent funds, projections for 2026 are grim:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • 100,000 children<\/strong> could miss measles vaccinations<\/li>\n
  • 2 million children<\/strong> might go without malnutrition screening<\/li>\n
  • 500,000 children<\/strong> could be left without access to safe drinking water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u201cThe cost of inaction isn\u2019t abstract,\u201d Elder emphasized. \u201cIt\u2019s measured in preventable suffering and lost futures.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Regional and Global Implications<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The crisis is not contained within DRC\u2019s borders. The country has been the epicenter of multiple outbreaks with global health implications<\/strong>, including Ebola, cholera, and Mpox. UNICEF warned that weakening DRC\u2019s health infrastructure risks exacerbating regional and global vulnerabilities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Hope Amid Horror<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Despite the grim statistics, Elder highlighted the resilience and dedication<\/strong> of Congolese health workers, social workers, and volunteers. Many continue to serve amid chaos\u2014supporting survivors, promoting vaccination, and fighting misinformation online.<\/p>\n

    \u201cDay by day, they accompany survivors, stitching together safety, dignity, and justice,\u201d Elder said. \u201cAnd the child survivors themselves are refusing silence, saying: \u2018If we stay quiet about rape, there is no justice, and we don\u2019t heal.\u2019\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    UNICEF\u2019s message is clear: the children and caregivers of DRC do not need pity\u2014they need peace<\/strong>, protection<\/strong>, and opportunity<\/strong>. But to achieve that, the international community must act now<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    UNICEF Sounds Alarm on Child Rape Crisis in Eastern DRC: A Child Reportedly Raped Every Half Hour Amid Escalating Conflict and Funding Collapse.\u00a0   GENEVA: […]<\/p>\n

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