The UN Joint Human Rights Office (BCNUDH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has released its semi-annual report, revealing a staggering 2,996 human rights violations and abuses documented between January 1 and June 30, 2026. These incidents affected 6,189 victims across the country. Although this represents a 10% decrease compared to the previous semester, it marks an 8% increase from the same period in 2025.
The majority of these violations, 2,607, occurred in conflict-affected provinces, impacting 5,032 victims. The report highlights the ongoing clashes and territorial expansion efforts by the Allied Forces of the Congo and M23 (AFC/M23), which have led to continued civilian harm, reprisals, and population displacements. The provinces of Ituri and North Kivu remain particularly volatile, with the ADF militant group responsible for 230 human rights abuses affecting 1,064 victims.
In addition to these abuses, the BCNUDH documented 31 instances of international humanitarian law violations, including attacks on schools, hospitals, and protected persons and sites. These actions have severely compromised access to essential services for the affected populations. Furthermore, 267 cases of conflict-related sexual violence were reported, affecting 401 victims, primarily women and children, with armed groups being the primary perpetrators.
The report also notes that access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and justice for victims remains limited. In non-conflict provinces, 76 violations related to civic space were documented, affecting 173 victims. The BCNUDH also recorded 60 cases of protection concerns regarding 72 human rights defenders and journalists.
The BCNUDH has emphasized the importance of a human rights-based approach to addressing the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which was declared on May 15, 2026. This approach prioritizes equitable access to care and information, protection of healthcare workers, prevention of stigmatization, and ensuring that public health measures are lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
In terms of accountability, the BCNUDH and MONUSCO have supported military courts, leading to the initiation of at least 169 judicial proceedings and the conviction of 96 individuals. This underscores the ongoing efforts to address impunity and promote justice for victims of human rights abuses.
The situation in DR Congo highlights the persistent challenges in protecting human rights and ensuring accountability for abuses. The BCNUDH's report underscores the need for sustained international attention and support to address these critical issues.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 2,996 human rights violations in the first half of 2026.
- The majority of these violations occurred in conflict-affected provinces.
- Access to medical care and justice for victims of human rights abuses remains limited.
