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DR Congo

UNICEF DR Congo Humanitarian Flash Update No. 3 (Upsurge in conflict in DRC), 28 February 2025

Attachments

HIGHLIGHTS

  • More than 3,000 people were killed during the fighting in Goma during the last three days of January.
  • One million people, including around 400,000 children were newly displaced since late January 2025, with figures likely to rise further as hostilities continue in both South Kivu (SK) and North Kivu (NK).In Lubero territory alone (NK), the intense fighting has provoked 100,000 new displacements since 18th February 2025.
  • Grave violations against children have increased significantly. In the past four weeks, cases of conflict-related sexual violence against children have risen by more than two and a half times, abductions of children have increased sixfold, killing and maiming of children is up sevenfold, and attacks on schools and hospitals have multiplied by 12.
  • Between 25 January and February 2025, 27 health structures were attacked in and around Goma.
  • 795,000 children lost access to education in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces due to the conflict. While some schools are tentatively resuming classes in parts of North Kivu province, many areas (including all schools in South Kivu province) remain closed.