GENEVA (4 July 2024) – UN experts* said today they are alarmed by reports of widespread trafficking in persons, particularly for sexual slavery and exploitation, and rising child and forced marriages stemming from conflict and displacement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We are appalled by the numbers reported, at least 531 victims of conflict-related sexual violence from August 2023 to June 2024, in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Tanganyika and Maniema,” the experts said. “Allegations brought to us describe displaced women and girls abducted for the purpose of sexual violence, sexual exploitation or sexual slavery, while looking for food or firewood or involved in farming activities.

“Reports of involvement of security and defence forces in sexual slavery, sexual exploitation, sexual violence and child marriage are a serious concern,” they said.

The reported increase in child, early and forced marriage and the normalisation of this human rights violation was very concerning, the experts said.

The lack of identification of trafficked persons and persons at risk of trafficking and lack of access to protection services is a key concern amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

“We are aware also that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Challenges, such as fear of reprisals by armed groups, social stigma, lack of efficient tracking of abducted victims that may be trafficked, identification, and prompt referral to protection services, as well as widespread impunity, prevent victims from reporting to authorities and UN entities,” the experts said.

Clashes between armed forces and non-state armed groups in provinces such as North and South Kivu are causing massive population displacement, exacerbating protection risks. Humanitarian and civil society organisations struggle to operate in and access these areas, which severely hinders displaced persons’ access to food and education, and protection. Young girls, in particular, face increased risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation and child marriage.

The experts also expressed concern about the closure of the UN Mission in DRC. “We are worried that with the MONUSCO withdrawal, key components of early warning systems of human rights violations will no longer be operational, significantly limiting human rights monitoring, reporting and investigation,” they said. The DRC government should guarantee the unhindered access of human rights actors throughout the entire territory, to ensure the documentation and prevention of human rights violations, including regarding conflict-related sexual violence and trafficking in persons.

“We urge all parties to the conflict in the DRC, in cooperation with the international community, to actively address such violations and reinforce access to justice and remedies, with a view to tackling impunity as a path to building lasting peace and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of these heinous crimes, in compliance with international law,” the experts said.

They have been in contact with DRC authorities.