A recent report by the UN Human Rights Office has found that all parties involved in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) provinces of North and South Kivu have committed serious violations of international humanitarian law, potentially amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report, published on September 5, details gross human rights violations committed by the M23 rebel group, supported by the Rwandan Armed Forces, as well as the Congolese Armed Forces and affiliated armed groups, since late 2024.
The UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Mission produced the report, which highlights the shocking degree of impunity and violations, including summary executions, torture, detention, enforced disappearances, and forced recruitment. The M23 group has engaged in a campaign of intimidation and violent repression, targeting anyone perceived as opposing the group. The report also documents widespread sexual violence, mainly in the form of gang rape, and other forms of sexual violence, including sexual slavery, with women and girls being disproportionately targeted.
The conflict has taken a significant toll on children, with hundreds detained and young males forcibly recruited. The report emphasizes the failure of all parties to protect civilians during hostilities, particularly during the takeover of Goma by M23 and the Rwandan Defence Forces in late January. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the atrocities as “horrific” and emphasized the need for prompt and independent investigations to ensure accountability and victims’ right to truth, justice, and reparations.
The situation in DRC is further complicated by an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, have been reported. The World Health Organization and local health officials are working to contain the outbreak. The UN report underscores the gravity and widespread nature of violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect civilians and ensure accountability for those responsible.
