A United Nations independent commission reported on Monday 29 June in Geneva receiving alarming information about violence described as being of “exceptional gravity” in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The commission detailed cases of sexual violence, unlawful killings, and forced recruitment of children, highlighting the ongoing crisis in a region that has been plagued by conflict for three decades. Rich in natural resources, eastern DRC has seen persistent fighting, notably between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
A worrying deterioration for civilians
Presenting its findings before the Human Rights Council, the commission said it had gathered testimonies indicating a severe worsening of conditions in both provinces. Residents are described as “vulnerable and unprotected” as the conflict intensifies and public institutions weaken. “The information brought to our attention points to a situation of exceptional gravity,” said Arnauld Akodjenou, head of the commission. He stressed that investigators had received “deeply disturbing testimonies” concerning children, conflict-related sexual violence “including sexual slavery,” forced recruitment, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and attacks on schools and healthcare facilities.
Preliminary investigation stages
Established by the Human Rights Council, the commission is probing alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in the two eastern provinces of DRC. The body emphasised that its work remains at a preliminary stage and that it cannot yet make definitive statements “on the nature or scale of the violations, nor draw final conclusions.” However, it also reported receiving information about obstacles to humanitarian access, ill-treatment in detention centres, and threats against human rights defenders and journalists who document abuses. The experts called on all parties to the conflict to ensure “safe, rapid and unimpeded” humanitarian access and urged both Congolese authorities and the international community to support “credible and independent investigations” and strengthen civilian protection. “The suffering brought to our attention requires more than concern,” Akodjenou declared. “It demands sustained attention, rigorous investigation, and determined international engagement.”
