DRC east faces UN funding gap crippling rights investigation commission

The sixty-second session of the Human Rights Council held a strengthened interactive dialogue in Geneva on June 29, 2026, marking the first public presentation of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This session followed the Commission’s initial fact-finding mission in Kinshasa, the capital.

Groundwork laid in Kinshasa despite field access delays

During its maiden visit to the DRC, the Commission conducted extensive consultations in Kinshasa. Meetings were held with representatives of victim support organizations, human rights defenders, civil society actors, government officials, United Nations entities, diplomats, and the national human rights institution. However, persistent security and health obstacles have so far prevented the Commission from accessing Goma, a critical hub in eastern DRC’s conflict zones.

The Commission has reiterated its intention to deploy to affected areas in North Kivu and South Kivu—including Goma—as soon as conditions permit. Yet this planned expansion faces a growing barrier: financial constraints within the United Nations system, which are now directly undermining the Commission’s operational capabilities.

Budget shortfalls hit investigative capacity

In a candid assessment, Arnauld Akodjenou, Chair of the Commission, highlighted the severe impact of funding shortages on the inquiry’s effectiveness. He noted that the financial strain has directly compromised the Commission’s ability to deploy investigators, secure translation services, access analytical support, fund field missions, and maintain a sustained presence in affected regions.

“The broader financial constraints faced by the United Nations have had a direct impact on our operational capacity—from deployable investigative teams and interpretation services to analytical support, mission financing, and sustained field presence,” Akodjenou stated. “Despite these challenges, 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 commitment.”

Humanitarian access and protection under threat

The Commission has stressed that all parties and actors with influence or control must guarantee safe, swift, and unimpeded humanitarian access—especially for women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. Akodjenou emphasized the need for humanitarian workers, medical personnel, and protection actors to safely reach victims and communities, including in the context of the ongoing Ebola response.

He further warned against intimidation, retaliation, or reprisals targeting victims, witnesses, human rights defenders, journalists, or community representatives who cooperate with UN mechanisms, including the Commission of Inquiry.

“The Council has tasked the Commission with establishing facts, preserving evidence, identifying responsible parties for accountability, and examining the root causes of recurring violence,” Akodjenou said. “This work has begun. It is essential to protect the safety, dignity, and trust of victims and witnesses.”

Mandate and scope of the inquiry

The Independent Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the South Kivu and North Kivu provinces was established by the UN Human Rights Council on February 7, 2025, during a special session focused on the deteriorating human rights situation in eastern DRC. Its 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.

The Commission is also tasked with examining potential international crimes amid the escalation of hostilities that began in January 2025 and continues to ravage North Kivu and South Kivu.

Human Rights Council session in Geneva