Financial constraints paralyze UN probe into eastern DRC violence

The sixty-second session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva heard directly this week from the Independent Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations in North Kivu and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, following its initial mission to Kinshasa.

During its maiden visit to the DRC, the Commission conducted extensive consultations in the capital. It engaged individually with representatives of victim support organizations, human rights defenders, civil society actors, government officials, United Nations entities, diplomats, and the national human rights institution.

Despite intentions to assess the situation in Goma and other affected areas of North Kivu and South Kivu, security and health challenges have prevented access to these locations. Compounding these obstacles, the United Nations faces severe financial constraints that are crippling the Commission’s operational capacity to fulfill its mandate.

Funding crisis undermines investigation capabilities

The financial shortfall has directly impacted the Commission’s ability to deploy investigation teams, secure essential interpretation services, conduct analytical work, fund field missions, and maintain a consistent presence in conflict zones. Arnauld Akodjenou, Chair of the Commission, emphasized the gravity of the situation:

“The broader financial constraints facing the United Nations have had a direct impact on our operational capacity, particularly our deployable investigation capacity, interpretation services, analytical support, mission funding, and sustained field presence. Despite these limitations, 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 engagement.”

Call for unhindered humanitarian access

Akodjenou reiterated the obligation of all parties and actors with influence or control to facilitate safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access, particularly for women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other highly vulnerable groups. He stressed the critical need for humanitarian workers, medical personnel, and protection actors to safely reach victims and affected communities, including during the ongoing Ebola response efforts.

The Commission Chair also underscored that no victim, witness, human rights defender, journalist, or community representative should face intimidation, retaliation, or reprisals for cooperating with UN mechanisms, including this Commission.

“The Council has tasked the Commission with establishing facts, preserving evidence, identifying those responsible for accountability, 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 stated during his address.

Commission’s mandate and origins

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

The Commission’s mandate includes investigating alleged human rights and international humanitarian law violations, particularly those affecting women and children, gender-based and sexual violence, and crimes against displaced or refugee populations. It is also tasked with examining potential international crimes amid the escalation of hostilities that began in January 2025 and continues in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

The Commission’s findings aim to support accountability efforts and address the deep-rooted causes of violence in the region.