UN-verified data show 30 per cent increase in grave violations against children in eastern DRC during first three months of this year compared to last quarter of 2023
Congo-Kinshasa : Unicef Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom Visits the Democratic Republic of the Congo As Violence Against Children Reaching 'Staggering Scale'Goma/New York —
Bloom's five days in eastern DRC - which has been experiencing escalating violence and ongoing mass displacement since March 2022 - took him to Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. He met with children and women and learned firsthand about the considerable risks they face daily, including abduction, rape and other forms of sexual violence and abuse, recruitment and use by armed groups, and death.
During his trip, Bloom visited a UNICEF-supported child-friendly space in the Bushagara displacement site near Goma; a safe environment where children can engage in structured and supervised play and recreation and receive psychosocial support and individual case management. At these sites, social workers also identify vulnerable children, such as those separated from their families, and ensure they receive the care and protection services they need.
Gender and conflict-based sexual violence against women and children remained persistently high in 2023 and increased further in 2024, with stigma and fear of retaliation preventing many survivors from coming forward. During a visit to Panzi Hospital and Panzi Foundation in South Kivu, Bloom spoke with health staff and caregivers about their work and met with survivors of sexual violence.
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