Unicef reports surge in child rapes by armed fighters in eastern DR Congo

Unicef reported that armed fighters in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have raped many children in recent weeks. Both government forces and M23 rebels are implicated in these acts as the conflict continues to escalate. The organization highlighted a significant rise in reported cases of sexual violence, with health facilities documenting 572 rapes from January 27 to February 2. This is more than five times the number reported the previous week. Among the victims, 170 were children. Unicef's Executive Director described the situation as horrific, with reports of systematic abuse against minors, including a case involving a mother and her six daughters.