The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry, tasked with investigating the human rights situation in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), delivered its initial official update on Monday, June 29, 2026. This presentation occurred during the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, following the Commission’s inaugural mission to Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.

Speaking on behalf of the Commission, President Arnauld Akodjenou addressed member states, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and representatives of the DRC government. He affirmed that the mission unequivocally confirmed the exceptionally grave situation in Eastern DRC, highlighting the urgent need for a credible, independent, and victim-centered investigation.

Akodjenou reported that the Commission engaged in dialogues with survivors, senior government officials, civil society actors, UN entities, diplomats, and the national human rights institution.

“While we were unable to visit Goma during this initial mission, we met with individuals and organizations from Goma and other areas within our mandate in Kinshasa. We plan to deploy directly to North Kivu and South Kivu as soon as conditions permit. The information we have gathered indicates a multifaceted crisis impacting civilians, compounded by population displacements, disease outbreaks, weakened institutions, and a complex regional environment,” Akodjenou stated.

During their mission, the Commission received deeply disturbing testimonies. These accounts detailed abuses against children, conflict-related sexual violence including sexual slavery, forced recruitment, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, assaults on schools and healthcare facilities, as well as mistreatment and detention practices that disregard the rule of law.

“We also heard reports of illegal roadblocks, unauthorized taxation, obstacles to humanitarian access, and threats targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and others who monitor or report violations. These challenges are further exacerbated by the ongoing threat of Ebola,” he added on behalf of the Commission.

Addressing the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Congolese people affected by the crisis, Akodjenou assured them that the Commission fully comprehends the severity of the situation in the DRC and the profound suffering endured by civilian populations in North Kivu, South Kivu, and beyond. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to impartially and independently establish facts, without targeting any specific state, community, or institution.

“Our mandate is not aimed at any state, community, or institution. Its purpose is to independently, rigorously, and impartially establish the facts; to preserve evidence; to contribute to the fight against impunity; and to formulate effective recommendations for preventing further violations. At this stage, we are not prejudging facts or responsibilities. However, the information received is of extreme gravity. It necessitates an independent and methodical investigation, conducted under conditions that ensure the protection of victims, witnesses, human rights defenders, journalists, and all individuals likely to cooperate with the Commission,” the Commission’s President emphasized.

The Independent Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in the provinces of South Kivu and North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, was established by the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 7, 2025. This occurred during an extraordinary session dedicated to the human rights situation in the eastern part of the country.

Resolution S-37/1 mandated the Commission to investigate the facts, circumstances, and root causes of all alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. This specifically includes those affecting women and children, incidents of sexual or gender-based violence, and violations committed against displaced persons or refugees.

Furthermore, the Commission is tasked with examining potential international crimes within the context of the recent escalation of hostilities, which began in January 2025 and continues across the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.