- Security
The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry into the human rights situation in the Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo presented its initial official update on Monday, June 29, 2026. This presentation took place during the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, following the Commission’s first mission to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, President Arnauld Akodjenou addressed member states, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and representatives of the DRC government. He confirmed that the mission highlighted the exceptionally dire human rights situation in eastern DRC, underscoring the critical need for a credible, independent, and victim-centered investigation.
According to Akodjenou, the Commission engaged in extensive dialogue, meeting with survivors, high-ranking government officials, civil society actors, United Nations entities, diplomats, and the national human rights institution.
“While we were unable to travel to Goma during this initial mission, we met with individuals and organizations from Goma and other areas within our mandate in Kinshasa. We intend to deploy directly to Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu as soon as conditions permit. The information we have gathered paints a picture of a multidimensional crisis severely impacting civilians, exacerbated by population displacement, widespread disease, weakened institutions, and a complex regional environment,” Akodjenou stated.
During the mission, Akodjenou reported receiving deeply disturbing testimonies. These accounts detailed abuses against children, conflict-related sexual violence, including sexual slavery, forced recruitment, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, assaults on schools and healthcare facilities, as well as mistreatment and detention practices that disregard the rule of law.
“We also heard accounts of illegal roadblocks, alleged illicit taxation, obstruction of humanitarian access, and threats targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and others who monitor or report violations. These challenges are further compounded by the ongoing threat of Ebola,” he added, speaking for the Commission.
Addressing the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its people, who are profoundly affected by the crisis, Akodjenou affirmed the Commission’s understanding of the severity of the situation and the immense suffering endured by civilians in Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, and beyond. He reassured them that the Commission’s sole objective is to independently and impartially establish the facts, without targeting any specific state or community.
“Our mandate is not directed against any state, community, or institution. Its purpose is to establish facts with independence, rigor, and impartiality; to preserve evidence; to contribute to the fight against impunity; and to formulate effective recommendations for preventing further violations. At this stage, we are not prejudging facts or responsibilities. However, the information received is of extreme gravity. It necessitates an independent and methodical investigation conducted under conditions that ensure the protection of victims, witnesses, human rights defenders, journalists, and all individuals who may collaborate with the Commission,” the Commission President emphasized.
The Independent Commission of Inquiry into the human rights situation in the Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo was established by the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 7, 2025. This occurred during an extraordinary session specifically dedicated to the human rights crisis in the eastern part of the country.
Resolution S-37/1 tasked the Commission with investigating the facts, circumstances, and root causes of all alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. This includes violations affecting women and children, those constituting sexual or gender-based violence, and those perpetrated against displaced persons or refugees.
The Commission is also mandated to examine potential international crimes committed within the context of the recent escalation of hostilities, which began in January 2025 and continues to impact the Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
