Report of the 37th special session of the Human Rights Council on the Human Rights Situation in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction
On 7 February 2025, the Human Rights Council convened its 37th special session to address the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The session was requested by the Permanent Representative of the DRC and the request was supported by the following 27 States Members of the Council: Algeria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Burundi, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Morocco, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), North Macedonia, Republic of Korea, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and supported by the following 21 observer States. (see endnotes). The request was officially communicated by the Secretariat to all UN member states and relevant stakeholders on 4 February 2025.

The special session was convened in response to a significant escalation of violence in North and South Kivu, attributed to the armed group M23, reportedly receiving external support. The hostilities have resulted in widespread human rights violations, large-scale displacement, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The Council heard statements from key UN officials, representatives of member states, and civil society organisations, underlining the urgent need for international action to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice and accountability for victims.

Key Speakers

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, H.E. Mr. Volker Türk

H.E. Mr. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, outlined the gravity of the human rights situation, condemning the severe violations perpetrated against civilians, including summary executions, widespread sexual violence, and the recruitment and use of child soldiers. He noted that the conflict had resulted in at least 3,000 civilian deaths and the displacement of nearly 3 million individuals, warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe if urgent measures were not taken. He emphasised the obligation of all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and called for immediate, unrestricted humanitarian access.

Mr. Türk further elaborated on the destruction of critical infrastructure, including medical facilities, schools, and essential services, exacerbating the suffering of affected communities. He reiterated the importance of robust accountability mechanisms to deter future violations and underscored the need for decisive international action to protect civilians and restore stability in the region.

Mr. Surya Deva, Chair of the Coordination Committee of Special Procedures

Mr. Surya Deva provided a comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict, particularly its devastating effects on women, children, and marginalised communities. He highlighted documented cases of sexual violence as a weapon of war and the alarming levels of forced recruitment of minors into armed groups. He expressed strong concern over attacks on displacement camps, medical centres, and humanitarian personnel, stressing that such actions constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law.

Mr. Deva underscored the indispensable role of civil society actors and human rights defenders in documenting abuses and advocating for justice. He called upon the international community to reinforce protection mechanisms for these individuals and to ensure that perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity are held accountable through impartial and independent investigative processes.

H.E. Mr. Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Speaking on behalf of the Government of the DRC, H.E. Mr. Patrick Muyaya Katembwe condemned the actions of M23 and external actors allegedly supporting the group, describing them as clear violations of Congolese sovereignty and international law. He presented documented evidence of atrocities committed against civilians, including mass killings, sexual violence, and targeted attacks on humanitarian convoys.

Mr. Katembwe called upon the international community to strengthen diplomatic and security measures to ensure the immediate withdrawal of foreign-backed armed groups. He further urged the Council to establish an international commission of inquiry and to impose targeted sanctions against those responsible for financing and orchestrating violence in the region.

H.E. Mr. James Ngango, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to UNOG

H.E. Mr. James Ngango rejected allegations of Rwandan involvement in the conflict, asserting that Rwanda remains committed to regional stability and peaceful dialogue. He argued that the crisis is complex and cannot be addressed solely through condemnation or external pressure. He emphasised the need for regional mechanisms, such as the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, to be given time to yield results.

Mr. Ngango called upon all parties to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. He reiterated Rwanda’s support for African Union-led initiatives to foster long-term peace and stability in the region.

In total 63 States made statements during the special session, including 21 from Africa, 16 from WEOG, 9 from GRULAC, 9 from APG, and 8 from EEG. The US did not participate in the debate. The below summary presents a non-exhaustive selection of those statements.

Interventions by States

A number of member states intervened to present their national positions, demonstrating a broad consensus on the urgency of addressing the human rights crisis in the eastern DRC.

The European Union strongly condemned the escalation of violence and urged all armed groups to cease hostilities immediately. It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting humanitarian assistance efforts and called for an independent international fact-finding mission to document and address human rights violations. The EU emphasised the importance of regional diplomatic efforts and urged all actors to fully engage with peace initiatives.

Kenya emphasised the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the escalating violence threatens regional stability. It condemned human rights violations, including gender-based violence, and called for the immediate restoration of essential services like internet access to alleviate civilian suffering. Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace efforts through the Nairobi and Luanda processes, urging all stakeholders to avoid divisive rhetoric and prioritise dialogue. As the chair of the East African Community (EAC), Kenya called for a complementary approach between the UN Security Council and regional peace initiatives to avoid undermining the upcoming joint EAC-SADC summit. The country stressed that the crisis is rooted in historical injustices, including colonial legacies, resource exploitation, and political fragmentation, which must be addressed holistically. Kenya urged the Council to take concrete steps to protect human rights and reaffirmed its commitment to a lasting, peaceful resolution that upholds DRC’s territorial integrity.

France condemned the M23 rebel group’s offensive in eastern DRC and directly accused Rwanda of supporting the group, which it claimed had devastating consequences for civilians. France reaffirmed its support for the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes but insisted that M23 must immediately withdraw from occupied territories. The country stressed that all armed groups, including the FDLR, must be held accountable for human rights abuses, including mass killings and sexual violence. France called for enhanced protection for civilians, particularly women, who have been victims of mass rape. It also demanded that the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) step up efforts to protect civilians and that safe conditions be ensured for humanitarian aid workers. France proposed a resolution to establish an independent fact-finding mission to investigate crimes committed in North Kivu and other conflict sones. It called for international solidarity with the Congolese people and emphasised the importance of upholding DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed strong support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and commended its request for a special session at the UN Human Rights Council. It highlighted the lack of attention the eastern DRC receives, particularly from the council, and condemned the recent offensive by the M23 and Rwandan Defense Forces, which worsened the already dire humanitarian crisis. They called for unrestricted humanitarian access, especially urging the reopening of Goma Airport. The UK also condemned the appalling levels of sexual and gender-based violence, specifically citing the brutal rapes and murders in Mzenze prison and emphasising the need for thorough investigations and collective action to end impunity.

Spain expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, condemning the M23 rebel group’s offensive and Rwanda’s involvement as a flagrant violation of international law. It warned that the escalating violence risks triggering a large-scale regional war and denounced serious human rights violations, including summary executions, forced child conscription, sexual violence, and mass displacement. Spain urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensure full humanitarian access to affected populations, and resume diplomatic efforts through the Luanda and Nairobi processes. The country firmly demanded that Rwanda halt all support to M23 and withdraw from DRC territory. Spain supported a draft resolution calling for an independent investigative mission to document human rights violations in North and South Kivu since 2022, emphasising that accountability is crucial for justice and long-term stability. It also endorsed the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in ensuring accountability and highlighted the need for a rules-based international order grounded in human rights.

Belgium fully supported the DRC’s call for an independent fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations committed since 2022. The country strongly condemned massacres, conflict-related sexual violence, summary executions, and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Belgium called for immediate action to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for victims, particularly women and children. It urged all armed groups to stop violating international humanitarian law and commit to peace negotiations. Belgium specifically condemned Rwanda’s support for M23, calling on the Rwandan Government to withdraw its troops and end all forms of support to the rebel group. It stressed that impunity fuels further violence and that those responsible must face justice. Belgium also called for adequate funding and staffing for the fact-finding mission and urged the international community to support peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.

Costa Rica highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, calling it a severe human rights crisis fuelled by violence between M23, Government forces, and other armed groups. The country condemned mass killings, forced displacement, and gender-based violence, particularly systematic attacks on women. Costa Rica expressed outrage over reports of 163 women being burned alive in Goma and deliberate attacks on women human rights defenders and maternity hospitals. It denounced the looting of natural resources, arguing that economic interests are driving the conflict. Costa Rica called for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and unrestricted humanitarian access. It also demanded accountability for companies and individuals profiting from mineral exploitation in the region, stating that economic gain should never come at the expense of human dignity. The country urged the international community to take stronger measures against those financing and fuelling the conflict.

Burundi expressed solidarity with the DRC and condemned the M23 offensive, emphasising that it is backed by Rwanda in violation of international law. The country called for a strong resolution denouncing Rwanda’s action and demanded the full withdrawal of Rwandan forces and M23 from DRC territory. Burundi underscored that the violence in eastern DRC threatens the stability of the entire Great Lakes region and must be urgently addressed. It reaffirmed support for regional mediation efforts, particularly the Nairobi and Luanda processes. Burundi also expressed sympathy for the victims and paid tribute to UN peacekeepers who have sacrificed their lives for peace. It emphasised that the conflict is driven by foreign interests seeking to exploit DRC’s vast mineral wealth and urged the international community to hold perpetrators accountable.

China expressed shock and alarm over the escalating violence in eastern DRC, particularly attacks on civilians and UN peacekeepers. It reaffirmed its support for DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressed that the crisis must be resolved through diplomatic negotiations. China called on all parties to respect international law, protect fundamental human rights, and achieve an immediate ceasefire. It strongly advocated for African-led solutions, emphasising that regional organisations and African nations should lead mediation efforts. China warned against hasty international interventions and stressed that any actions taken by the UN Human Rights Council should complement existing regional peace efforts rather than complicate them.

South Africa strongly condemned human rights violations in eastern DRC, particularly child recruitment, forced labour, and sexual violence targeting women and girls. It called for immediate cessation of hostilities by M23, the Rwandan Defense Forces, and all unauthorised armed groups. South Africa emphasised the worsening humanitarian crisis, warning that the suffering of civilians has reached catastrophic levels. It welcomed regional peace efforts, including the recent SADC and EAC summits and called for the resumption of the Luanda and Nairobi processes. South Africa fully supported the establishment of an independent fact-finding mission, arguing that it is a crucial step toward accountability and lasting peace.

Russia expressed grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation, particularly in Goma, where over one million civilians are trapped. It condemned all forms of violence against civilians, calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of M23 from occupied territories. Russia warned against the politicisation of the crisis, urging that peace efforts must consider DRC’s historical, ethnic, and cultural complexities. It supported a diplomatic resolution and emphasised that the conflict should be addressed through regional peacekeeping initiatives rather than external interventions.

Brazil expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation and called for all parties to recommit to ceasefire agreements and peace negotiations. It urged all actors to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid and ensure the protection of civilians, emphasising that attacks on civilian infrastructure, sexual violence, and threats against human rights defenders must be condemned. Brazil reiterated its support for MONUSCO’s role in stabilising DRC and backed the UN’s investigative efforts to improve human rights and promote long-term peace.

Civil Society

A total of 12 civil society organizations delivered statements during the special session. The following summary provides a non-exhaustive selection of those statements.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted the alarming extent of human rights abuses, with hundreds of thousands fleeing the region. Around two million refugees had sought refuge in Goma, but the destruction of camps worsened their dire situation. HRW reported extreme violations, including summary executions, sexual violence, and the targeting of humanitarian workers by all parties involved in the conflict. The organisation called for robust, independent documentation of these crimes to end the cycles of impunity that have persisted for decades in the region. HRW stressed the need for international and regional actors to take decisive action and urged the creation of an investigative mandate to ensure justice and reparations for victims and survivors.

Similarly, the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH) and its partners from Congolese civil society expressed grave concern over the situation in the Kivu regions. They noted severe violations of human rights and international humanitarian law since the M23’s resurgence, with rape and other atrocities reported, particularly after a prison break in Goma. FIDH pointed to the lack of justice and accountability, which has fuelled the ongoing conflict in the DRC for over 30 years. The organisation called for the immediate establishment of an independent mechanism to investigate crimes committed since the M23’s return in 2021, emphasising the need for swift and coordinated international action to prevent further atrocities.

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) drew attention to the particularly dangerous situation for human rights defenders in the region. These individuals have faced attacks, intimidation, and reprisals for their work documenting violations. OMCT reported that human rights defenders have been obstructed in their efforts to help victims and have been subjected to extra-judicial executions and other forms of violence from all conflict parties. OMCT called for the establishment of an international inquiry mechanism that would cooperate with human rights defenders to ensure the safety and integrity of the information collected.

Amnesty International also joined in calling for enhanced civilian protection amidst the ongoing violence. The organisation pointed out the devastating consequences of the rampant use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Amnesty International demanded that all parties, including the M23, Congolese, and Rwandan armies, comply with international humanitarian law. They urged all sides to ensure the safety of civilians, including human rights defenders and journalists, and called for safe passage for fleeing civilians and unhindered humanitarian access. Amnesty also supported the creation of an independent investigation into violations and abuses committed by all parties.

The International Bar Association (IBA) expressed its concern over the serious human rights violations in the region, particularly in the aftermath of M23’s recent takeover of Goma. Reports indicated killings, rapes, looting, forced labour, and forced recruitment. The IBA noted that displaced populations were without adequate access to essential services like food, water, and electricity. The organisation emphasised that M23 and Rwandan forces, under international humanitarian law, had an obligation to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. The IBA echoed the calls for an independent mandate to investigate and preserve evidence of these abuses and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.

Result
At the conclusion of the session, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution A/HRC/S-37/L.1, establishing an independent international fact-finding mission to investigate and document violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the eastern DRC. The resolution mandates the mission to gather evidence, identify perpetrators, and provide recommendations to ensure accountability. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, and justice for victims of the crisis.

The 37th special session of the Human Rights Council underscored the gravity of the human rights situation in the eastern DRC and the imperative for coordinated international action.

 

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The request was also supported by the following 21 observer States: Australia, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Featured picture: A Wazalendo militiaman, part of a group of pro-government forces, retreats alongside residents as they flee Kibati, near the city of Goma. Jospin Mwisha / AFP / Getty Images