The province of South Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently facing a resurgence of conflict, leading to more than 850,000 people, including a significant number of children, being displaced from their homes. The situation has resulted in dire living conditions for many, with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.
The escalation of violence in South Kivu has also resulted in a significant increase in grave violations against children, including instances of sexual violence, killings, maiming, and the recruitment of children by armed groups. The number of verified cases has seen a sharp rise since the beginning of 2025, indicating a concerning 150% increase compared to the previous year.
UNICEF’s Acting Representative in the DRC, Jean François Basse, recently visited the region to assess the impact of the crisis and UNICEF’s response efforts. Basse highlighted the immense suffering experienced by unaccompanied children who have lost everything and emphasized the urgent need for a stronger humanitarian response to address the protection crisis facing children in the region.
The ongoing conflict has also disrupted humanitarian operations, with key facilities such as the Kavumu airport being closed, hindering the delivery of essential supplies. The health sector is particularly overwhelmed, with shortages of medicine and equipment, overcrowded hospitals, and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, measles, and mpox.
The education sector has also been severely impacted, with over 1,000 schools forced to close, affecting the education of more than 300,000 students. Efforts are underway to provide alternative solutions to support both education and humanitarian needs, including the reopening of schools and advocating for demining activities.
In response to the critical situation in South Kivu, UNICEF and its partners are scaling up life-saving support for children and families. Efforts are underway to reunite unaccompanied children with their families, provide psychosocial support, improve access to clean water and sanitation, and address outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and mpox.
UNICEF is also advocating for all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities, protect children, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure rapid and safe access for humanitarian aid. The organization is committed to reinforcing support for health centers, reopening schools, and providing essential services to mitigate the impact of the crisis on vulnerable populations in South Kivu.
This article was distributed by APO Group on behalf of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and highlights the urgent need for assistance in addressing the humanitarian crisis in South Kivu.
