150,000 children miss school as violence continues in the east

Jessica Maw, November 22nd, 5:25pm

Fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has forced most schools in the Rutshuru territory to close which has resulted in an estimated 150,000 children out of school. The fighting resumed late August in North Kivu between forces from rebel group Congrès National pour la Défense du Peuple (CNDP), led by former general, Laurent Nkunda, and the regular Congolese army allied with militias. Fighting is erupting on almost a daily basis.

Since the violence begun two weeks ago, 85% of the schools in the area have been suspended. These closed schools are now being used as shelter for displaced civilians and the Congolese army. UNICEF has stated that armed groups are still recruiting children as young as 14 for fighting. Figures are showing that 3,000 children were being held in the armed forces before the violence started again so these figures are expected to sore with the current the violence.

The current outbreak of violence has lead to tens of thousands of civilians fleeing their homes including 15,000 to Kisharo, 15,000 to Vitchumbi, 5,000 to Butembo; and thousands between Kiwandja and Rutshuru. The displaced face a high risk of cholera and measles, increasing child malnutrition, and children being separated from their families.

The fighting in Congo is causing disruption to daily lives and especially to the lives of children. Children all over the world no matter what background they come from should be able to attend school and feel safe and should not have fighting interrupting their education.

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