UN launches investigation into atrocities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Author: Sheetal Frank

April 23, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns the atrocities happening during the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and welcomes the United Nations’ inquiry to further investigate the unlawful acts committed by both M23 and the DRC’s military, which may constitute crimes against humanity. HRRC denounces all violence against women, children and vulnerable communities and calls for the warring parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, uphold accountability and implement protective measures for victims.

Congolese men push their makeshift bicycle (chukudu or tshukudu) past peacekeepers of the MONUSCO, as they ride on patrol in the town of Kiwanja, Democratic Republic of Congo on 19 October, 2018. [Image Source: REUTERS/Oleksandr Klymenko]

The United Nations (UN) has launched an investigation into the atrocities currently taking place in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including war crimes and gross human rights violations committed by all sides in the eastern provinces, specifically North and South Kivu. 

The conflict in the DRC has a long and complex history of crisis that can be traced back to the genocide in Rwanda. The paramilitary force known as M23, which is backed by Rwanda and led by an ethnic Tutsi group, has seized significant territory in North Kivu, including areas like Goma, leading to the suffering of many civilians. The ongoing conflict between M23 and the Congolese army is linked to a struggle for political power and control of mineral wealth. Despite the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC signing a peace deal brokered by the U.S. to end the conflict, the atrocities remain the same, causing displacement, violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis resulting in human rights violations and raising concerns over accountability and protection.

Amid escalating conflict, human rights group and the UN have reported on crimes such as killings, rape, looting and unlawful forced labour resulting in serious breaches of humanitarian law that can amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The inquiry was launched to gather evidence of international crimes and identify the groups responsible for these atrocities in order to hold them accountable and secure justice for victims and survivors of abuse.

The report on the inquiry was produced by the UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on the situation in North and South Kivu, as mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. Its findings highlight the failure of all parties involved to protect civilians amid ongoing hostilities, particularly during the takeover of Goma by M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), which has allegedly supported the group during the conflict. 

The report documents attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as widespread sexual violence against women and girls, particularly in the form of gang rape and sexual slavery perpetrated by M23 members. Children were also targeted and detained by M23, with young males forcibly recruited and used during combat. 

The Fact-Finding Mission report also highlights grave violations committed by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and affiliated armed groups, including deliberate killings of civilians, as well as patterns of sexual violence and looting.

The report concludes that both Rwanda and the DRC have supported armed groups and engaged in serious abuses, failing to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians during conflict.  

In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said, “The atrocities described in the report are horrific.” He added, “It is heartbreaking and deeply frustrating to witness once again, the dehumanization of the civilian population by those in power who are failing in their responsibilities.”

As the UN investigation continues, concerns remain over whether effective protective measures will be implemented and whether accountability will be achieved in light of the report’s findings. With the conflict persisting in the DRC, the inquiry underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and justice for the victims and affected communities.

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Glossary

• Atrocities – Violent and inhuman acts against civilians or prisoners during war.

• Adhere – To follow or stick to rules, laws, or agreements.

• Brokered– Arranged or negotiated an agreement between different parties.

• Crimes Against Humanity – Serious crimes committed against civilian populations including acts of murder, torture and persecution.

• Condemns – To strongly express disapproval of something which is wrong and unjust.

• Constitute – To form or be considered as something.

• Displacement – Individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to war and conflict, including people who either remain in the country or those who cross the border to a different county.

• Dehumanization – Treating people as if they are less human, denying their dignity or rights.

• Forced Labour – Work that people are made to do against their will, often under threat or coercion

• Genocide – The deliberate attempt to destroy a particular national, ethnic, racial or religious group.

• Humanitarian Crises – An emergency resulting from conflicts or natural disasters that can impact the health and safety of populations..

• Humanitarian Law – A set of rules that protect those who are not participating in hostilities.

• Inquiry – the act of seeking information, knowledge, or truth through questioning and investigation.

• Kivu Region – Located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), bordering Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.

• Looting – Stealing goods, often during conflict, unrest, or disaster.

• M23 – An armed rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and claiming to protect Congolese Tutsi communities in order to defend their political and security interests. 

• Mineral wealth – Valuable natural resources including metals, minerals and fossil fuels and can be extracted for economic gain.

• Peace deal – A formal agreement between two parties with the aim to end hostilities.

• Sexual violence – Any sexual act or behaviour carried out without consent, including assault or exploitation.

• Sexual slavery – A form of exploitation where individuals are forced into repeated sexual acts and treated as property. 

• Tutsi – An ethnic group primarily found in Rwanda and Burundi, also present in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

• UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) – An independent investigation established by the UN Human Rights Council or Secretary-General to investigate allegations of human right violations, breach of international humanitarian law and war crimes.

• United Nations – An international organisation made up of countries that works to promote peace, security, human rights and cooperation around the world. 

• War crimes – Serious violations of international law committed during armed conflict, such as killing civilians, torture, or targeting hospitals.