Congo-Kinshasa: DR Congo - Surging Violence As Armed Groups Target Civilians in the East, Human Rights Council Hears

Civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are suffering greatly. The Human Rights Council reported 602 victims of extrajudicial executions in North and South Kivu over two months. This information was shared during a UN discussion in Geneva about human rights in the DRC.

The Council, which is the UN's main human rights forum, also discussed abuses in South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, have gained ground recently. They have occupied cities like Goma and Bukavu, leading to mass displacement.

Conflict-related sexual violence is rising sharply. UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif noted a 270% increase since January. She stated that any peace plans must address root causes, such as illegal exploitation of natural resources. Al-Nashif also called for action against hate speech and corruption.

The crisis is severe: nearly 26 million people face food insecurity. Over 7.8 million people are displaced across the country. In eastern DRC, where armed groups clash with national forces, more than 1.6 million children are out of school.

In South Sudan, escalating violence and political tension were highlighted by Maarit Kohonen Sheriff from the UN human rights office. She described a "severe security, human rights and humanitarian crisis." Deadly attacks in Upper Nile State and aerial bombardments have displaced civilians and destroyed infrastructure.

Concerns were raised about arrests linked to political affiliations, especially among opposition members like SPLM-IO. Some detainees lack legal representation or external monitoring. Ms. Sheriff expressed alarm over First Vice President Riek Machar's recent house arrest, warning it threatens the 2018 power-sharing agreement.

Despite some progress with new transitional justice laws and a human rights defenders' network in Unity State, civic space remains restricted. Documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence have risen by 72% compared to last year.

Efforts to train prosecutors and police on investigating sexual violence were noted as positive steps. However, Ms. Sheriff emphasized an urgent need for funding and international support. She stated that human rights cooperation will succeed only if parties in South Sudan recommit to their peace agreement.

The international community must continue supporting nation-building efforts to prevent a return to civil war.

Updates from the Central African Republic (CAR) showed some government progress on human rights policies, including protections for defenders. However, Ms. Sheriff stressed that violations continue across all parties involved in the conflict.