Beni: Children’s Rights Under Threat Amid Insecurity and Displacement

Beni, North Kivu, November 20, 2025 - On the occasion of International Children’s Day, the Gender, Family and Childhood Office in Beni sounded the alarm over the worsening situation for children in the region, who are severely impacted by ongoing armed violence and mass population displacement.

According to Ruth Sabuni, head of the office, children face violence, rape, economic exploitation, abandonment, and forced recruitment by armed groups. Access to health services, nutrition, and quality education remains extremely limited.

Despite interventions by MONUSCO and other child protection partners, enormous challenges persist in ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of children in this crisis zone.