The Democratic Republic of Congo has strongly criticized the United Nations for its inaction on the recruitment of children by armed groups in the country's eastern regions. On October 26, 2026, Kinshasa denounced the continued violence against children, including murders, mutilations, kidnappings, and sexual violence. The Congolese government demands effective protection for children and a strengthened fight against impunity.
The Congolese ambassador to the UN, Jocelyne Kabengele Lukundula, addressed the UN Security Council on the issue, expressing Kinshasa's deep concern over the persistence of these violations. She stated that the recruitment of children, murders, mutilations, and attacks on schools compromise their safety, education, and future. Lukundula emphasized that schools must remain safe spaces under international humanitarian law.
The situation in eastern DR Congo remains dire, with armed groups continuing to expose children to violence and disrupt their access to education. Despite this, Kinshasa reported progress in preventing child recruitment and reintegrating them into society. The government has worked with the UN to develop joint action plans, leading to the removal of the Congolese army from a list of parties recruiting or using children in armed conflicts in 2017.
The Congolese government has implemented a national action plan with four priorities: prevention, protection, fighting impunity, and strengthening institutional capacities. As a result, nearly 5,000 military, security, and judicial personnel have been trained, and over 5,000 children associated with armed groups were reintegrated into society in 2025.
The DR Congo has also strengthened its institutions, including the National Children's Council, and developed a national child policy and strategic plan for 2026-2030. The country has also created a national information system on child protection and a national children's parliament in 2026.
At the international level, the DR Congo's adherence to the Vancouver Principles in 2020 demonstrates its commitment to preventing the recruitment and use of children in peacekeeping operations. The Congolese ambassador noted that despite international efforts, more needs to be done to ensure real protection for children victims of conflicts.
The situation in eastern DR Congo remains volatile, with continued violence attributed to the AFC/M23, now known as the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). Kinshasa reiterates its demand for the protection of children to be a top priority and for an end to violence that threatens the future of an entire generation.
Key points
- Over 5,000 children were reintegrated into society in 2025
- DR Congo demands effective protection for children and a strengthened fight against impunity
- The situation in eastern DR Congo remains volatile, with continued violence against children
