The situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains marked by serious violations, particularly in the eastern provinces. According to the UN's Joint Human Rights Office (BCNUDH), there was a significant increase in conflict-related sexual violence in August. The BCNUDH documented 65 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, affecting 230 victims, including 166 women and 64 girls.
This represents a 202% increase compared to July, when 76 victims, including 42 women and 34 girls, were recorded. The BCNUDH attributes this deterioration to the persistence of clashes and insecurity in areas affected by armed conflicts. The geographical distribution of cases shows that South Kivu has the highest proportion of victims, with nearly 46% of the total, or 103 women and one girl.
North Kivu ranks second with approximately 37% of cases, while Ituri accounts for nearly 17%, with 39 victims, including six women and 33 girls. One female victim was also reported in Tanganyika, and no cases were officially documented in Maniema during the period. However, the absence of data does not necessarily mean that no acts of sexual violence occurred there, as access constraints hindered effective documentation.
The BCNUDH report implicates both security forces and armed groups operating in the affected areas. The Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) are cited among the state actors involved in incidents that resulted in 21 victims, including eight women and 13 girls. This accounts for approximately 9% of all victims recorded. Armed groups, particularly the ex-AFC/M23, are responsible for the majority of cases, with 151 victims, including 135 women and 16 girls.
The ex-AFC/M23 alone accounts for nearly 67% of the people affected by documented sexual violence in August. Other armed groups, such as Chini ya Tuna, Nyatura, ADF, and various Mai-Mai groups, are also implicated. The FRPI, FDLR, APCLS, Wazalendo, and CODECO each have documented cases. These statistics highlight the scale of sexual violence in conflict-affected provinces and underscore the persistent vulnerability of women and girls.
The report renews concerns about the protection of civilians, the fight against impunity, and the need to strengthen mechanisms for preventing and supporting survivors. The BCNUDH draws attention to the humanitarian and security consequences of instability in eastern DR Congo, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed violence.
The situation demands urgent attention and action to address the root causes of conflict and to protect vulnerable populations. The BCNUDH's findings emphasize the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and providing support to survivors. The UN office's report provides a critical snapshot of the human rights situation in DR Congo and underscores the need for sustained efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- The UN's BCNUDH reports a 202% increase in conflict-related sexual violence in DR Congo, with 230 victims documented in August.
