Following the receipt of information regarding the current situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on June 29 in Geneva, a UN independent inquiry commission has issued a stark warning about violence reaching “exceptional gravity” in the area. The commission specifically reported widespread sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, and the coercive enlistment of children. The eastern DRC, a region abundant in natural resources, has been plagued by conflicts for three decades, primarily involving the Congolese army and the M23 armed group in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

a deteriorating situation for the population

During a presentation to the Human Rights Council, the commission revealed that it had gathered testimonies indicating a severe deterioration of conditions in these two provinces. Residents are described as “vulnerable and unprotected” amidst an escalating conflict and the weakening of public institutions. Arnauld Akodjenou, the commission’s president, stated that “the information brought to our attention points to a situation of exceptional gravity.” He further affirmed that investigators had received “deeply concerning testimonies” detailing abuses against children, conflict-related sexual violence—including sexual slavery—forced recruitment, illegal homicides, arbitrary arrests, and assaults on schools and healthcare facilities.

initial stages of investigation

Established by the Human Rights Council, the commission is tasked with investigating alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed across the two eastern DRC provinces. The commission emphasized that its investigations remain in a preliminary phase, and it is not yet in a position to comment directly “on the nature or extent of the violations, nor to draw definitive conclusions.” Nevertheless, it confirmed receiving reports of obstructed humanitarian access, mistreatment in detention facilities, and threats targeting human rights defenders and journalists documenting these abuses. The experts urged all parties to the conflict to guarantee “safe, rapid, and unimpeded” humanitarian access. They also exhorted both the Congolese authorities and the international community to support “credible and independent” investigations and to enhance civilian protection. “The suffering brought to our attention demands more than just concern,” declared Arnauld Akodjenou. “It requires sustained attention, rigorous investigation, and determined international commitment.”