United Nations Radio

The escalation of conflict and upheaval of people from their homes and shelters have led to further violations of children's and women's rights in eastern DRC.

Child soldiers in DRC

UNICEF- the UN children's agency warned that the situation is deteriorating, and urged the world not to turn a blind eye to the plight of children and women in the DRC.
Since fighting intensified in North Kivu in late August, humanitarian access has been limited and sporadic.
UNICEF says continuous fleeing is increasing children's vulnerability to a multitude of child protection problems, including separation from families, recruitment into armed groups, sexual violence and exploitation, forced labour and abuse, and interruption of schooling.
UNICEF Representative in the DRC Ms. Pierrette Vu Thi, says the children's agency is calling on all armed groups to end the recruitment and use of children, to immediately release the children within their ranks, and to refrain from any intimidation of children reunited with their families and communities.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 57")