Un condemns widespread violence against children in democratic republic of Congo

At the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States delegation delivered a sharp rebuke to the escalating violence targeting millions of children in war-torn regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Speaking during the 10,182nd session of the UN Security Council dedicated to children and armed conflicts worldwide, U.S. Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, Deputy Representative for Special Political Affairs at the U.S. Mission to the UN, emphasized the urgent need to protect children from systematic abuse.

The ambassador’s remarks echoed a previous statement by former U.S. First Lady Melania Trump during a March 2026 Security Council meeting, where she highlighted the devastating impact of global conflicts on children. Locetta’s statement underscored a core principle: “No child should be denied security.”

the democratic republic of Congo: a critical focus of concern

During her address, Ambassador Locetta specifically pointed to the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the most severe cases of child rights violations in conflict zones. The United States condemned the ongoing atrocities, stressing that Congolese children remain the primary victims of relentless clashes between armed factions in the country’s eastern provinces.

Children face relentless threats. In Sudan, reports of children forcibly displaced, separated from families, and subjected to sexual violence have surged. Meanwhile, in the DRC, millions of children endure displacement, sexual violence, and direct attacks by armed groups. The U.S. delegation firmly condemned these acts, reaffirming that under the Trump administration, peace remains a top priority.

“In conflict zones worldwide, children bear the brunt of violence. In Sudan, children are driven from their homes, torn from their families, and subjected to horrific violence. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, millions face threats of violence, forced displacement, and sexual assault by armed groups. We strongly condemn these acts, and under President Trump’s leadership, the United States continues to prioritize peace,” Locetta stated in her Wednesday, June 24, 2026 speech.

children as direct targets, not collateral damage

The U.S. representative highlighted how conflicts systematically strip children of safety, education, and hope. She warned that the denial of access to quality education perpetuates cycles of poverty, instability, and violence across generations.

“All too often, conflicts strip children of safe and reliable education, closing doors to their future and compromising their prospects. As we know, this creates a cycle of poverty and instability passed down through generations, fueling new conflicts and undermining global stability and economic prosperity. Children everywhere deserve to feel safe, to learn, and to have a future. By taking action to protect them, we preserve our collective future and help end persistent conflicts,” she emphasized.

criticism of the UN’s latest report on children and armed conflicts

Ambassador Locetta also took aim at the UN Secretary-General’s latest Children and Armed Conflicts (CAAC) report, arguing that it fails to advance the protection of children in war zones. She contended that the report presents a distorted view of civilian harm under international humanitarian law, drawing a false equivalence between deliberate attacks on children by groups like the Houthis and accidental civilian casualties caused by state forces.

According to Locetta, the report exemplifies how the UN invests time and resources into initiatives that undermine the interests and sovereignty of member states. She reiterated the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, stating:

“This report only reinforces the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. It further damages the credibility of this office by incorrectly equating the actions of U.S. armed forces with those of terrorist groups like the Houthis. Protecting children remains a priority for the United States. We continue to call for concrete measures to prevent children from being drawn into armed conflicts. Politicized and inaccurate reporting will not achieve these goals,” she declared.

a global call for urgent action

Beyond the DRC, the United States raised alarm over crises in Sudan, Ukraine, and Haiti, urging warring parties to safeguard children from violence, forced displacement, and grave rights violations. Washington stressed that protecting children is essential to fostering long-term peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.

In the DRC, the impact of conflict on children manifests through six grave violations: recruitment and use of child soldiers, killings and maiming, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, abductions, and denial of humanitarian access. The situation has worsened with the resurgence of the M23 rebellion, reportedly backed by Rwanda, which continues to occupy vast areas of North Kivu and South Kivu despite diplomatic efforts led by the U.S., Qatar, and the African Union.

Image: Internally displaced children in Rutshuru, North Kivu.