The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) report on human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in March 2023 highlights an increase in human rights violations and abuses. 12% compared to February. A total of 495 violations were documented, mostly in conflict-affected areas.
The perpetrators of these attacks are mostly armed groups, responsible for 376 violations and attacks, followed by State agents with 158 cases. Children are not spared, with MONUSCO’s Child Protection Section documenting 190 serious violations of children’s rights in the context of armed conflict, including abductions and use in armed groups.
North Kivu, Ituri, Tanganyika and South Kivu are the provinces most affected by these violations and abuses, with a total of 206, 103, 65 and 52 cases respectively.
These alarming figures demonstrate the need for rapid action to put an end to human rights violations in the DRC. Governments and international organizations must work together to protect the basic human rights of people affected by conflict, especially children, and end impunity for perpetrators.