As levels of violence and displacement in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) worsen, UNICEF is calling for emergency measures to save hundreds of thousands of children who are out of school. An additional 330,000 children are now out of school with fears many may never return to education.
Before the escalation of the conflict, the educational system in the Republic of Congo was under immense strain, partly due to the high number of displaced people. More than 6.5 million people, including 2.6 million children, are displaced in the region. Â
The conflict that started this year has forced more than 2,500 schools and learning spaces in North Kivu and South Kivu, including those in displacement camps, to close. With schools shut down, damaged, destroyed, or turned into shelters, 795,000 children are now being deprived of education—up from 465,000 in December 2024, including Ituri Province, over 1.6 million children in eastern DRC are now out of school.
“This is a desperate situation for children; education – and the support systems it provides – is what children need to retain a sense of normalcy and to recover and rebuild after this conflict,”  said Jean Francois Basse, UNICEF’s acting Representative in DRC.
While schools in Goma re-opened on 9 February, few pupils attended, with parents voicing fears that the security situation remained too dangerous. In times of crisis, schools play a crucial role in maintaining stability and providing a safe space that protects children from potential recruitment by armed groups and sexual violence, schools can also offer children who have experienced trauma access to psychosocial support.
UNICEF urges emergency action for education protection
UNICEF supports the continuity of education in eastern DRC by working with its partners to set up temporary learning spaces and distribute school materials and hygiene and sanitation kits. It also explores radio-based education and accelerated learning programs to reach the most remote and marginalized children.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), originally known as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries devastated by World War II. In 1950, UNICEF’s mandate was extended to address the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere. In 1953, it became a permanent part of the United Nations System.UNICEF is a global giant of giving and one of the top 10 largest charitable organizations transforming lives worldwide.
In tandem with UNICEF’s call for emergency aid as Congo’s schools shut down, Médecins Sans Frontières urgently calls for humanitarian assistance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.MSF reiterates the urgent need for humanitarian intervention; with many displaced families fending for themselves in precarious conditions, humanitarian aid must be permitted to operate thoroughly.Â
With mines and unexploded ordinance left around Goma – including in or near schools, UNICEF is leading efforts in mine risk education to prevent injuries and fatalities among students and teachers.
“For the past two years, we have invested heavily in learning structures at displacement sites around Goma. Still, these are now largely empty, and we are extremely worried that children who are displaced once more may never return to school,” said Basse.
As part of its humanitarian appeal, UNICEF seeks US$52 million to meet the urgent educational needs of 480,000 children. UNICEF is also calling on parties to the conflict to respect educational facilities and other civilian objects, in line with their obligations under international law, and immediately end the military use of any educational facility. Â
The crisis in the Republic of Congo concerns education and the future of an entire generation. Without immediate intervention, millions of children may be left behind, deprived of opportunities for learning, growth, and a better future.
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