Human rights crisis in the democratic republic of the Congo amidst ongoing conflict

The deepening humanitarian catastrophe in eastern DRC

The resurgence of hostilities in the eastern regions of the République démocratique du Congo has pushed an already dire humanitarian situation to a breaking point. Since May 2021, the provinces of Nord-Kivu and Ituri have remained under a state of siege. Despite various diplomatic efforts—including the Washington agreement of June 27, 2025, and the Doha framework signed on November 15, 2025, between the RDC and the AFC/M23—peace remains elusive. The conflict has recently spilled over into Uvira, proving the extreme fragility of current ceasefire attempts.

In less than a year, this armed struggle has claimed more than 10,000 lives and forced millions to flee their homes, either as internally displaced persons or refugees. Detailed documentation reveals that national security forces and various militia groups, specifically the Rwanda-backed M23/AFC, are frequently linked to serious human rights abuses. These include acts of torture and degrading treatment, which violate international standards set by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Systemic repression and the silencing of dissent

The security decline has also triggered a severe crackdown on civic freedoms. Public demonstrations are largely banned, and the environment for independent media and civil society has become increasingly hostile. Many human rights defenders, journalists, and political figures have been driven into exile to escape arbitrary arrests, physical abuse, and persistent threats. This exodus has crippled the local capacity to document abuses and seek justice for victims.

A coalition of human rights organizations, including the Organisation mondiale contre la torture (OMCT) and members of the SOS-Torture network in RDC—such as Afia Mama, 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 compiled these findings. This collective effort serves as a critical submission ahead of the review of the République démocratique du Congo regarding its compliance with international civil and political rights treaties.

• Summary and extrajudicial executions
• Enforced disappearances
• Harassment and intimidation of activists
• Abuses by state and non-state actors, including police and military forces