The escalating humanitarian emergency in eastern DRC
The revival of armed hostilities in the eastern regions of the République démocratique du Congo has pushed an already dire humanitarian situation to its breaking point. Since May 2021, the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri have remained under a state of siege, yet stability remains elusive.
Despite high-level diplomatic efforts, including the Washington agreement of June 2025 and the subsequent framework signed in Doha between the government and the AFC/M23, violence continues to spread. The conflict has recently expanded into Uvira, proving that existing ceasefire mechanisms are dangerously fragile. In less than a year, the fighting has claimed over 10,000 lives and forced millions of civilians to flee their homes, creating a massive displacement crisis.
Widespread torture and the erosion of civil liberties
The conduct of both state security forces and non-state actors is under intense scrutiny. Groups such as the M23/AFC, reportedly supported by Rwanda, alongside national defense forces, are frequently linked to severe human rights violations. These include documented cases of torture and degrading treatment, which violate international standards set by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
This security collapse has also stifled the country’s civic space. We are witnessing a sharp decline in fundamental freedoms, characterized by:
- The prohibition of public demonstrations and protests.
- Increased censorship and threats against the press.
- The systematic intimidation of human rights defenders and political opponents.
- Forced exile for many activists and journalists fearing arbitrary arrest.
A collective call for accountability
In response to these atrocities, a coalition of organizations including the Organisation mondiale contre la torture (OMCT) and the SOS-Torture network—comprising Afia Mama, the Alliance pour l’universalité des droits fondamentaux (AUDF), SOS Informations juridiques multidimensionnelles (SOS IJM), and Voix des sans voix pour les droits de l’homme (VSV)—has submitted a comprehensive report. This joint effort aims to highlight the ongoing cycle of impunity and the urgent need for justice as the République démocratique du Congo prepares for its next periodic review under international human rights law.