United Nations Commission investigating the worsening conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has warned that civilians in the country’s troubled North and South Kivu provinces are facing an “exceptionally grave” human rights crisis, with disturbing allegations of conflict-related sexual violence, unlawful killings, forced recruitment of children and attacks on schools and healthcare facilities.

The Independent Commission of Inquiry gave its first formal update to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, stating that the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is still fast worsening, putting millions of civilians at risk of increasing violence and undermining already vulnerable public institutions.

The commission cautioned that widespread displacement, continuing armed conflict and restricted humanitarian access are combining to create one of the region’s most severe humanitarian and human rights emergencies.

Investigators noted that testimony gathered during the early stages of their inquiry paints an alarming picture of suffering across communities caught in the conflict. Survivors, civil society organisations and human rights defenders have described widespread abuses affecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, while humanitarian workers continue to face significant obstacles in reaching people in desperate need of assistance.

According to Arnauld Akodjenou, Chair of the Commission,“the information brought to our attention points to a situation of exceptional gravity.”

“We have received deeply troubling accounts concerning children, conflict-related sexual violence, including sexual slavery, forced recruitment, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and attacks against schools and health facilities.”
Arnauld Akodjenou

The Commission of Inquiry was established by the Human Rights Council to investigate alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed in North and South Kivu, where fighting involving armed groups and other actors has intensified in recent months, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes and disrupting access to essential services.

Although the investigation remains at an early stage, commissioners explained that they have already undertaken extensive consultations to understand the scale and nature of alleged abuses. More than 50 online consultations and over 30 in-person meetings have been held with victims, survivor-support organisations, government representatives, diplomats, UN agencies, civil society groups and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s national human rights institution.

Earlier this month, the Commission carried out its first official mission to the country, holding a series of meetings in Kinshasa with individuals and organisations documenting the impact of the conflict. In one consultation alone, representatives from 35 civil society organisations shared testimony and evidence concerning the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in the east.

However, volatile security conditions prevented investigators from travelling to Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province and one of the areas most heavily affected by the conflict. Commissioners indicated that they remain committed to visiting Goma and other affected communities as soon as operational and security conditions allow.

While investigators stressed that they are not yet in a position to determine responsibility for alleged violations or draw legal conclusions, they emphasised that documenting victims’ experiences is a critical first step toward future accountability.

Commissioner Maxine Marcus stated that, “the Commission does not prejudge the facts or responsibilities.”

“But we are clear that accountability begins with listening to victims and survivors, protecting their dignity, and ensuring their experiences are not ignored or erased.
“A victim- and survivor-centred, trauma-informed approach is not an add-on; it is fundamental to how we establish the facts, preserve evidence, and contribute to justice, accountability and prevention.”
Maxine Marcus

Allegations of conflict-related sexual violence, including sexual slavery, child abuse, forced relocation, illegal detention, and intimidation of journalists, human rights advocates, and community leaders reporting violations, are among the preliminary testimony gathered by the Commission.

In addition, investigators were informed that in certain places, humanitarian access has been purposefully blocked, making it more difficult for relief organisations to provide displaced people with life-saving aid.

The Commission cautioned that these claims are made in the context of an already complicated humanitarian crisis that still has an impact on almost every facet of everyday life in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Violence, Displacement and Ebola Fuel Eastern Congo Crisis

Beyond documenting alleged human rights violations, the Commission warned that eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a multidimensional crisis that extends far beyond armed conflict.

Continuing hostilities have severely disrupted healthcare systems, education, governance, trade and humanitarian operations, while large-scale displacement has left thousands of families living in precarious conditions. The situation has become even more complicated by the threat posed by an Ebola outbreak, creating additional risks for already vulnerable communities and humanitarian responders.

Commissioners stressed that all parties involved in the conflict, as well as any actors exercising control over affected territories, are bound by international law to allow humanitarian organisations safe and unhindered access to civilians requiring assistance.

The Commission specifically called for women, children, older persons, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to receive protection and urgent humanitarian support. It also emphasised the need to ensure that medical personnel, humanitarian workers and protection agencies can safely access communities, including those affected by Ebola.

Commissioner Clément Voule issued a strong warning against reprisals targeting individuals cooperating with United Nations investigations.

“No victim, witness, human rights defender, journalist or community representative should be subjected to intimidation, reprisals or retaliation for engaging with UN mechanisms, including this Commission.”
Clément Voule

The Commission further appealed to national authorities and the international community to strengthen efforts to safeguard humanitarian corridors, protect local human rights monitors and support credible, independent investigations into alleged violations.

According to investigators, placing victims and survivors at the centre of accountability efforts will be essential if justice is to be achieved and future abuses prevented.

The warning from the Commission comes at a time when eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains one of Africa’s most volatile conflict zones, with recurring violence continuing to drive displacement, undermine public services and deepen humanitarian needs across North and South Kivu.

For many communities, years of insecurity have eroded confidence in institutions and limited access to healthcare, education and livelihoods.

Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that without sustained international support, the crisis risks worsening further as conflict continues to spread and civilian protection remains inadequate.