In the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, international humanitarian law continues to be systematically violated despite commitments from authorities and international partners. The International Committee of the Red Cross has raised alarm over these ongoing breaches, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter adherence to these critical legal frameworks.

On 23 July, the Red Cross convened a high-level conference in Kinshasa to address these pressing concerns and reinforce the importance of protecting civilian populations caught in the crossfire of relentless conflict.

When wartime rules fail to shield the vulnerable

Despite widespread knowledge of international humanitarian law, compliance remains alarmingly low in conflict zones. This failure to uphold these protections leaves civilians increasingly vulnerable to violence and abuse. The situation is particularly dire for women and girls, who bear the brunt of sexual violence in these crises.

“Sexual violence has reached catastrophic levels. Every minute, women, girls, and children—along with some men—suffer these horrific attacks,” warns Julienne Lusenge, a prominent human rights activist. She stresses that international accountability is long overdue, calling for decisive sanctions against perpetrators of sexual violence.

“To this day, no single case has been prosecuted at the international level. It is imperative that we see international action to hold those responsible for sexual violence crimes accountable.”

Trials as a deterrent against impunity

Julienne Lusenge underscores the necessity of strengthening security forces and dismantling armed groups to better safeguard civilians. Meanwhile, the military justice system has intensified efforts to prosecute soldiers accused of human rights abuses. General Jean-Paul Tshayikolo, a military magistrate at the High Military Court, highlights the dual purpose of these trials: punishment and education.

He explains: “Within our ranks, there are both exemplary soldiers and those who violate the law. Our military leadership is committed to fostering professionalism, yet absolute impunity remains unattainable. Military justice serves a critical role in sanctioning misconduct. Each verdict not only punishes the guilty but also educates other service members, reinforcing discipline and accountability.”

Conflict dynamics defy humanitarian law

Over 200 armed factions operate across eastern DRC, primarily in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and to a lesser extent, Tanganyika. The constantly shifting alliances among these groups make it exceedingly difficult to identify those responsible for humanitarian law violations.

This fragmentation further obstructs dialogue, oversight, and enforcement mechanisms. Additionally, the fundamental principle of distinguishing between civilians and combatants—a cornerstone of international humanitarian law—is frequently ignored in practice. These challenges perpetuate a cycle of impunity and hinder justice for victims.