The Democratic Republic of Congo recorded 4,114 grave violations against children in 2025, according to a UN report. This number places the RDC second only to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, which recorded 12,445 violations. The UN report highlights the need for greater protection of children in conflict zones. The RDC has been plagued by violence and instability, with various armed groups operating in the country. The UN has expressed concern over the impact of this violence on children.
The protection of children is addressed in the peace processes underway in Washington and Doha. The Washington process focuses on security arrangements between the RDC and Rwanda, including the neutralization of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR). The protection of children is mentioned in the context of general obligations to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law. The economic aspect of the process also touches on the issue, with a commitment to combat exploitation associated with artisanal mining.
The Doha process, which involves negotiations between the Congolese government and the Alliance of Democratic Forces (AFC/M23), contains more explicit provisions for the protection of children. The protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection recognizes the primacy of civilian protection during hostilities. The text specifically mentions the prevention of violence, exploitation, and abuse against women and children. However, these commitments do not constitute a specific mechanism dedicated to the six grave violations defined by the UN.
The UN's special representative for children and armed conflict has called for the protection of children to be integrated into mediation and peace processes. The representative also urged sustained support for the liberation and reintegration of children associated with armed forces or groups. Furthermore, the representative emphasized the need to bring perpetrators of violations to justice. The Congolese government has been implementing an action plan with the UN since 2012.
Despite these efforts, the level of violations recorded in 2025 raises questions about the concrete implementation of these commitments. The RDC government has been working to address the issue of child protection, but progress has been slow. The UN report highlights the need for greater action to protect children in the RDC. The report also emphasizes the importance of accountability for those responsible for violations.
The issue of child protection is closely linked to the broader context of conflict and instability in the RDC. The country has been affected by violence and displacement, with many civilians caught in the middle. The protection of children is essential to ensuring their well-being and future. The international community has a role to play in supporting efforts to protect children in the RDC.
The RDC government, along with international partners, must work to ensure that the protection of children is a priority in peace processes and in the implementation of action plans. This includes providing support for the liberation and reintegration of children associated with armed forces or groups. It also involves holding perpetrators of violations accountable for their actions.
Key points
- The RDC recorded 4,114 grave violations against children in 2025.
- The protection of children is addressed in the peace processes underway in Washington and Doha.
- The UN has called for the protection of children to be integrated into mediation and peace processes.
