“In the Kasai, one of the poorest regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), children remain the main victims of the crisis which began in August 2016, when fighting broke out after a traditional chief was killed during a clash with security forces. The situation worsened in 2017, triggering a wave of violence affecting nine of the country’s 26 provinces.

The crisis has had a devastating effect on children. They have been injured and killed, victims of sexual violence and arbitrary detention. In those areas where the violence continues, children are still being used in militias. The violence on children must stop, and those responsible must be brought to justice. Children should be safe at home, in school or in play areas and should not be forced to fight on the battlefield, or killed or injured during clashes.

Following the violence, 850,000 children have fed their homes. They have spent months deprived of healthcare, water and sanitation, a balanced diet and access to school. 400,000 children in the Kasai region are currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Without help, they are at risk of dying. 440,000 children haven’t been able to complete the school year. Today, security has been restored in several territories of the Kasai region and basic services are starting to be restored. Around half of those displaced have returned home.

However, a huge amount of needs are still to be met. During the crisis in the Kasai, 220 health centres have been looted or destroyed. More than 400 schools have been attacked, 100 of these destroyed completely.

The future of an entire generation is at threat in the Kasai region. By implementing humanitarian aid programmes, whilst strengthening structural development programmes, UNICEF and its partners have managed to assist more than two million people since the beginning of the crisis. However, too many child victims of the crisis remain unaided. More funds are needed in order to avoid tens of thousands of child victims of severe acute malnutrition dying and thousands more children not being able to return to school.

Let’s act together now. The children of the Kasai cannot wait any longer."

Dr Tajudeen Oyewale Acting Representative in the DRC