This press release highlights the alarming increase in violence against children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where they are being forcibly recruited, armed, and killed. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified reports of children being summarily executed by M23 forces after they entered Bukavu last week. The UNHRC also reports that children are being used as combatants, a serious breach of international humanitarian and human rights law. World Vision condemns these heinous acts in the strongest terms and urges immediate international intervention to safeguard the lives and rights of children.

World Vision welcomes ceasefire as glimmer of hope, but warns humanitarian situation remains catastrophic

This press release is an urgent call from World Vision for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the ongoing conflict is worsening the humanitarian crisis, particularly for children. The destruction of hospitals, schools, and displacement camps has left children increasingly vulnerable, heightening the risks of diseases like TB and measles due to missed vaccinations. As of February 2025, over half a million people have been displaced, adding to the already high number of 6.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). World Vision is deeply concerned that without action, the crisis will escalate further, with devastating consequences for children. The organization urges global leaders to press for peace and allow for unrestricted humanitarian aid to meet growing needs. They also advocate for a humanitarian pause to provide families with safety and access to essential supplies. World Vision has been supporting displaced communities in North and South Kivu and is preparing to expand its response in Goma once access is granted. The organization calls for meaningful dialogues to ensure a lasting resolution and protect the future of children in the region.

A group of sponsors from the Presbyterian Church of Colombia congregation in the USA visited the children they sponsor through World Vision Senegal's programmes.