Escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has intensified an already dire humanitarian crisis, with North Kivu and Ituri provinces under martial law since May 2021. Despite multiple peace accords—including the June 27, 2025 Washington agreement ratified by Rwandan and Congolese leaders on November 4, 2025, and the November 15, 2025 Doha framework between the DRC and the AFC/M23—violence persists, now spreading to Uvira. These ceasefire mechanisms have proven fragile, failing to curb the escalation of atrocities.
Recent reports indicate the armed conflict has claimed over 10,000 lives within a year, displaced millions internally, and triggered a severe humanitarian emergency. Security forces, along with non-state armed groups such as the M23/AFC—allegedly backed by Rwanda—have been repeatedly linked to grave human rights violations, including torture and inhumane treatment as defined under Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Shrinking civic space and systematic repression
The deepening security crisis has severely restricted civic freedoms. Public assemblies have been banned, press freedom has been curtailed, and civil society organizations face increasing obstacles. Human rights defenders, journalists, political opponents, and civil society actors have been forced into exile due to arbitrary arrests, torture, and intimidation. This repression has crippled the country’s ability to document abuses and seek justice for victims.
Joint submission ahead of UN review
In anticipation of the upcoming review of the DRC’s periodic report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in collaboration with local partners including the Alliance for the Universality of Fundamental Rights (AUDF), Afia Mama, SOS Multidimensional Legal Information (SOS IJM), and Voice of the Voiceless for Human Rights (VSV), has submitted a joint report highlighting systemic violations. The document underscores the urgent need for accountability and international intervention to address the ongoing atrocities and restore fundamental freedoms in the DRC.
Key concerns documented
- Extrajudicial and summary executions
- Enforced disappearances
- Threats, intimidation, and harassment of activists
- Targeting of human rights defenders
- Abuses by state and non-state actors
