The sixty-second session of the Human Rights Council, centered on an Enhanced Interactive Dialogue, on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, heard for the first time the Independent Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, Democratic Republic of the Congo, following its initial mission to Kinshasa, capital of the DRC.

During its maiden visit to the DRC, the Commission reported conducting extensive consultations in Kinshasa. It engaged with representatives of victim support organizations, human rights defenders, civil society actors, government officials, UN entities, diplomats, and national human rights institutions.

Despite security and health challenges preventing access to Goma, in eastern DRC, the Commission intends to visit affected areas in North and South Kivu—including Goma—as soon as security and operational conditions permit. These challenges are compounded by broader financial constraints faced by the United Nations, which have directly impacted the implementation of field activities.

“The broader financial constraints facing the United Nations have directly affected our operational capacity, including deployable investigative teams, interpretation services, analytical support, mission funding, and sustained field presence. Despite these challenges, the Commission remains fully committed to fulfilling its mandate with independence, rigor, and diligence. The suffering brought to our attention demands sustained attention, thorough investigations, and resolute international commitment,” stated Arnauld Akodjenou, Chair of the Commission.

On behalf of the Commission, he reiterated the obligation of all parties and actors exercising control or influence to ensure safe, swift, and unhindered humanitarian access, particularly for women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other groups with heightened vulnerabilities.

Continuing his address, Akodjenou emphasized that humanitarian workers, medical personnel, and protection actors must be able to safely reach victims and affected communities, including within the framework of the Ebola response.

He stressed that no victim, witness, human rights defender, journalist, or community representative should face intimidation, retaliation, or reprisals for collaborating with UN mechanisms, including this Commission.

“The Council has tasked the Commission with establishing facts, preserving evidence, identifying those responsible for prosecution, and examining the root causes of these cycles of violence. This work has begun. It is essential to protect the safety, dignity, and trust of victims and witnesses,” he underscored during his intervention.

The Independent Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations in South Kivu and North Kivu provinces, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was established by the UN Human Rights Council on February 7, 2025, during an extraordinary session addressing the human rights situation in the eastern part of the country.

Resolution S-37/1 mandated the Commission to investigate alleged human rights and international humanitarian law violations—particularly those affecting women and children, gender-based violence, and abuses against displaced or refugee populations. It is also tasked with examining potential international crimes amid the recent escalation of hostilities that began in January 2025 and continues in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, DRC.

Clément Muamba