On 9 September 2025, during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Defence for Children International (DCI)-Democratic Republic of Congo/BIFERD drew attention to the alarming situation of children in the country.
DCI denounced the serious and persistent violations of children’s rights, including murder, mutilation, abduction, sexual violence, recruitment of children by armed groups and exploitation in mines. It was pointed out that, despite the existing legal framework, there remains a worrying gap between legal commitments and the reality experienced by thousands of children, particularly in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Maniema, Tanganyika, Kasai and Mai-Ndombe.
Among its recommendations, DCI calls for an urgent mechanism to protect children living in areas under the control of armed groups, an end to attacks on schools, and increased support from the international community and the Congolese government to guarantee children their fundamental right to protection, education and health.
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