OHCHR deputy warns rising violence as armed groups target civilians in the eastern DRC

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif on Tuesday briefed the UN human rights council in Geneva and told that civilians continue to face violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 602 victims of extrajudicial or summary executions in North and South Kivu recorded over just two months.

UN human rights council high level discussions revealed ongoing the human rights situation in DRC.

The Council received the updates on allegations of ongoing abuses in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

They said that despite best efforts, armed groups including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel forces have made major recent gains occupying cities such as Goma and Bukavu caused mass displacement.

UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashi warned that conflict-related sexual violence “is being committed by all parties.”

She cited a 270 per cent spike in reported cases since January.

“Any plans for a sustainable peace must tackle the root causes of the conflict, including the illegal exploitation of the national wealth that lies in natural resources,” she said.

She called for action against hate speech and corruption.

Nada Al-Nashi underscored the alarming scale of the crisis: over 26 million people face food insecurity, and over 7.8 million are now displaced nationwide.

In the eastern DRC where multiple armed groups have battled national forces and allied militia for years – more than 1.6 million children are out of school.

On South Sudan, the UN human rights office Global Operations Division Director, Maarit Kohonen Sheriff, painted a grim picture of escalating violence and political tension.

She noted a “severe security, human rights and humanitarian crisis,” including deadly attacks in Upper Nile State and aerial bombardments that have displaced civilians and destroyed infrastructure.

The arrests and detentions linked to political affiliations, including members of the leading opposition militia, known as the SPLM-IO have raised serious concerns, with some detainees held without access to legal representation or external monitoring, she told the council

“The recent house arrest of First Vice President, Riek Machar is alarming,” Ms. Sheriff said.

She warned of threats to the 2018 power-sharing arrangement under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Ms. Sheriff acknowledged that despite some progress including new transitional justice laws and the creation of human rights defenders’ network in Unity State civic space remains severely restricted, and documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence have risen by 72 per cent compared to the previous year.

The efforts to train prosecutors and police on investigating sexual violence were highlighted as positive, but Ms. Sheriff emphasized the urgent need for funding and international support.

“Human rights technical cooperation efforts will only bear fruit if the parties in South Sudan recommit to the peace agreement,” she said.

She emphasized the international community must continue to support nation-building efforts and help “prevent a relapse into civil war”.

Council also updated from the Central African Republic with Ms. Sheriff recognized the Government’s progress in adopting policies to promote human rights, including new protections for human rights defenders.

She stressed that the situation “remains difficult”, with violations still being committed by all parties to the conflict.

Ms. Sheriff highlighted atrocities by armed groups such as the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé militia in Haut-Oubangui, compounded by spillover violence from Sudan

“An effective decentralisation process is essential for responsible governance,” she told the Council.

She urged inclusive local elections and more civic participation, especially by women and youth.

Independent Expert Yao Agbetse urged full implementation of national reforms and increased transparency in justice.

He warned that rights violations remain widespread, particularly in areas under armed group control, despite some progress.

CAR’s Justice Minister, Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to extend judicial institutions across the country.

“The population is thirsty for justice,” he said.

He cited eforts to expand courts and upcoming local elections as signs of resolve.