Attack in Democratic Republic of the Congo Kills 16, 5 Children

An attack in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has “killed 16 people, including five girls under the age of 15”.

According to the United Nations, the 16 were killed in an attack “using gunfire and knives”, by the Coalition of Congolese Democrats or CODECO.

More than 300 people have now died this year as a result of the ongoing violence in the region.

Additionally, over 200,000 people, “the majority of them children”, have fled to escape the violence. UNICEF, a United Nations’ group directed to protect the rights of children around the world, says the situation in the DRC is “deteriorating fast” and “will forcibly uproot and endanger even more children” if not addressed.

Although the UN notes progress has been made in the DRC, the eastern part of the country continues to be plagued by conflict, crises, and human rights violations, including sexual violence and forced-child labor.