'A child raped every 30 minutes'

UNICEF raises alarm over a surge in sexual violence in eastern DRC, where even toddlers are among the victims.

Graphic Artist: Busra Ozturk, Producer: Nurdan Erdogan Gokhan / TRT World

“A child is raped every 30 minutes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said at a Geneva press briefing on April 11.

The scale of sexual violence in the region's ongoing conflict is staggering. Girls — and even toddlers — are being targeted, while survivors are often left without access to basic medical care, support, or protection.