Watchlist

Recruitment of children as combatants is pervasive in the DRC, in particular in connection to the multiplication of splinter armed groups. Recruitment is conducted in a systematic and organized manner, with groups of children being taken to re-groupement centers where they receive combat training. The DRC’s armed forces declared to have stopped child recruitment in 2007, but a significant number of children are still present in their ranks. Abductions for the purpose of forceful recruitment are also reported in the DRC, in particular in Northeastern areas where frequent incursions by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) take place. Sexual violence against children is another widespread violation taking place in the DRC, in particular in the Eastern regions of the country. Cases of sexual violence are attributed to both armed forces and rebel groups equally, but given the general climate of impunity and the lack of rule of law, a significant number of rapes perpetrated by civilians have also been reported. Active hostilities and frequent violent attacks targeting humanitarian workers have led to major restrictions in terms of humanitarian access, leaving already vulnerable children without adequate assistance.