Women and girls are at increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence amid conflict. Rise in rapes reported in DRC amid conflict Women
The UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, expressed grave concern about the offensive by the M23 armed group in North and South Kivu provinces, supported by the Rwandan Defence Forces. Patten noted the serious deterioration of the security situation, with reports of attacks on civilians, including sexual violence.
“These brutal attacks are a horrific reminder of the extreme vulnerability of civilians caught up in the armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and must stop immediately. All perpetrators of such acts must be held accountable for their crimes,” Patten said.
She described the devastating impact of the escalating fighting on civilians, which has displaced nearly 500,000 people in January 2025 alone – in addition to the 6.4 million people displaced in 2024.
Civilians, particularly women and girls, are at heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence. At least 165 women were reportedly raped when prisoners escaped from Muzenze prison in Goma on 27 January. The armed conflict has also seen reports of gang rape and sexual slavery by all parties to the conflict.
“I am deeply concerned by alarming reports of an increase in rapes along the conflict routes in South Kivu, with some women reportedly being raped multiple times,” Patten said.
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She called on all warring parties to comply with their obligations under international law. This includes taking all necessary measures to protect civilians, especially displaced women and children, as well as victims of sexual violence. “I also call on the Government of the DRC to ensure access to justice for all victims of conflict-related sexual violence,” Patten said.
The Special Representative condemned the looting of warehouses and attacks on humanitarian and medical facilities of UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations. In particular, she stressed that such actions could limit the provision of essential medical services to victims of sexual violence, including HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention measures, as well as psychological support. Patten called on the parties to guarantee and ensure unimpeded access to health facilities for the population in full compliance with international humanitarian law.
The Special Representative also reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for M23 and Rwandan troops to immediately cease their offensive, withdraw from all occupied territories, respect the ceasefire agreement of 31 July 2024 and return to diplomatic negotiations.