60th Human Rights Council Session: Accountability and Peace Needed in Eastern DRC

The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to worsen despite numerous diplomatic initiatives. On September 9 in Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council reviewed a report on the violence in North and South Kivu. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes agains

t humanity.

Faced with the scale of these atrocities, he called for an immediate ceasefire and strict respect for human rights. He singled out Rwanda, urging it to end all support for the M23 rebel group and withdraw its troops, while also pressing the DRC to ensure its forces comply with international law and to stop backing armed groups such as the Wazalendo.

Türk emphasized that the international community must increase pressure on both Kigali and Kinshasa, support mediation efforts, and guarantee humanitarian aid access. He also stressed the importance of justice for victims, protection for children scarred by violence, and the establishment of reparations and truth mechanisms to prevent future atrocities.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission, created by a resolution in February 2025, is tasked with investigating abuses, identifying those responsible, and laying the groundwork for lasting peace in the region.

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Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights