The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued an urgent appeal for $22 million to assist 282,000 children affected by the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

"UNICEF is launching an urgent appeal for $22 million to provide emergency assistance to 282,000 children in eastern DRC, as violence intensifies. We need the parties to the conflict to stop the escalation of armed violence, which is only exacerbating the suffering of children and worsening the already appalling humanitarian conditions," stated Jean-François Basse, UNICEF's interim representative in the DRC.

The organization has reported a troubling increase in the number of children separated from their families or unaccompanied, heightening their vulnerability to abduction, forced recruitment, and sexual violence. 

The funds from this appeal will help address urgent humanitarian needs, including providing access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, medical supplies, treatment for malnutrition, and child protection services.

UNICEF notes that instability in North and South Kivu has displaced 658,000 people in the past three months, including 282,000 children. 

Olivier de Souza