Based on UNICEF’s reports, the escalation of conflict within South Kivu province, situated in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has displaced over 850,000 individuals, with children making up nearly half of this population, causing them to leave their homes.

A significant number of these displaced persons are enduring hazardous living conditions, seeking refuge in schools, places of worship, or in the open, with restricted access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.

The ongoing violence in the area has resulted in a notable uptick in severe violations committed against children.

Verified instances of such violations have more than doubled since January 2025, representing a roughly 150 percent increase from December 2024 levels.

These violations encompass sexual violence, murders, dismemberment, as well as the abduction and exploitation of children by armed groups.

UNICEF’s DRC Representative conducted a field visit to the eastern region in March to directly observe the impact of this crisis in Bukavu and evaluate UNICEF’s amplified response to the situation.