UN sounds alarm over ‘exceptional’ violence in eastern DR Congo

The United Nations independent commission of inquiry has raised the alarm over what it describes as violence of “exceptional gravity” in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Presenting its findings on Monday, 29 June in Geneva, the commission detailed reports of sexual violence, unlawful executions, and the forced recruitment of children in the region.

A deeply worrying trend

During a session before the Human Rights Council, the commission disclosed that it had gathered testimonies pointing to a severe deterioration of the situation in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Residents, it said, are left “vulnerable and without protection” as the conflict escalates and public institutions weaken. “The information brought to our attention indicates a situation of exceptional gravity,” stated commission chair Arnauld Akodjenou. He noted that investigators received “deeply troubling testimonies” regarding children, conflict-related sexual violence including sexual slavery, forced recruitment, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and attacks against schools and health facilities.

Preliminary investigation phase

Established by the Human Rights Council, the commission is probing alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in the two eastern provinces. It stressed that its work remains at a preliminary stage and that it cannot yet make direct determinations “on the nature or scope of the violations, nor draw final conclusions.” However, it added that it has also received information about impediments to humanitarian access, mistreatment in detention centres, and threats against human rights defenders and journalists documenting abuses. The experts are calling on all parties to the conflict to ensure “safe, rapid and unimpeded” humanitarian access. They urge both the Congolese authorities and the international community to support “credible and independent” investigations and to strengthen civilian protection. “The suffering brought to our attention calls for more than concern,” Akodjenou declared. “It demands sustained attention, rigorous investigation and determined international engagement.”