UN human rights experts recently condemned the acts of “extreme violence” perpetrated by the M23 armed group against human rights defenders in the North and South Kivu provinces of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The violence, as detailed by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), includes targeted killings, abductions, torture, sexual violence, and death threats, levied against activists from November 2025 through February 2026. Particular concern is directed toward women human rights defenders in Uvira who were allegedly abducted and tortured, along with LGBT rights defenders who faced repeated seizures and forced hiding. This escalation of violence jeopardizes efforts to document and preserve evidence of abuses, crucial for accountability amidst international efforts for justice.
The status of M23 as an organized non-state armed group engaged in a non-international armed conflict mandates its adherence to Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, necessitating respect for minimum civilian protections. Nevertheless, the continued targeting of those documenting these abuses underscores significant challenges. Further concern has been noted by Human Rights Watch, which has also warned about the severe threats civilians face in South Kivu, documenting similar patterns of summary killings and intimidation of civilians, exacerbating the difficulties faced by civil society.
The broader political and military instability in the region has adversely affected essential services, with healthcare access in North and South Kivu becoming increasingly constrained due to security challenges and displacements. A report from the UN has highlighted how recent M23 clashes have exacerbated civilian displacement and insecurity. In response to these severe violations, the UN Human Rights Council has taken decisive action by adopting Resolution S-37/1, mandating a fact-finding mission to investigate these abuses and protect journalists and human rights defenders working in the region.
While these violations are attributed to M23, the DRC government is reminded of its obligation to safeguard individuals within its territory and ensure thorough, impartial investigations to uphold accountability. Immediate protective measures are urged to ensure that defenders can continue their critical work without the looming threat of violence, thereby maintaining the operational space necessary for civil society functions in conflict-affected regions.
For further details, the original report by JURIST provides comprehensive coverage of the ongoing issues in the DRC. For more on recent developments, a detailed perspective can be accessed on JURIST website.