Investigations into alleged war crimes and human rights abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have stalled due to a major funding shortfall, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has confirmed in a letter obtained by Reuters. The crisis stems from the failure of several UN member states to pay their full contributions, further worsened by significant cuts in U.S. foreign aid. As a result, the OHCHR’s Commission of Inquiry, tasked with probing abuses in conflict zones like North and South Kivu, has been unable to proceed with its mandate.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed deep concern over the suspension of investigative efforts. He said recent assessments by his office revealed “a blatant disregard for civilian life” by all parties to the conflict, including Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, Congolese armed forces, and affiliated militias. Preliminary findings cite mass executions, widespread displacement, and “horrific sexual violence,” with nearly 40% of gender-based violence survivors in North and South Kivu reported to be children.
Türk warned that ongoing budget and staffing cuts are “critically impeding” the commission’s operations and its ability to safeguard vulnerable communities. He also stressed that without immediate funding, the office cannot meet its obligation to document atrocities, which could later serve as crucial evidence in international trials. The OHCHR said it is working to secure stable budgetary resources to fully operationalize the commission by 2026. In the meantime, accountability for serious violations remains in limbo, even as violence continues to escalate in eastern DRC.
