DRC, Second Largest Global Hotspot for Serious Violations Against Children in 2025, UN Reports

In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 4,114 verified serious violations against children in armed conflicts, making it the second highest country globally after Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, according to a UN report. These violations include killings, physical harm, child recruitment, abductions, and denial of humanitarian access, affecting multiple children. The DRC continued implementing a UN-backed action plan and adopted a national child policy, with some perpetrators being prosecuted. The UN special representative calls for stronger criminalization, justice, and protection of schools and hospitals during conflicts.