UNICEF reports surge in child rapes and soldier recruitment in eastern Congo

UNICEF reported that armed men in eastern Congo have raped hundreds of children and recruited child soldiers, marking a significant increase in violence. The situation has worsened in recent weeks amid ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich region. In late January, the M23 rebels captured Goma, escalating fighting with government forces. Health facilities reported 572 rape cases during the week of January 27 to February 2, a fivefold increase from the previous week, with 170 victims being children. The UN Human Rights Council has launched an investigation into these atrocities, including rapes and executions. Recently, 84 Congolese soldiers faced trial for serious crimes against civilians in the conflict-affected area.