US EditionFunding crisis stalls UN probe into possible war crimes in Congo
- A United Nations commission tasked with investigating alleged human rights abuses and violations in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo is unable to move forward because of a financial shortfall within the U.N. human rights office.
- The investigation was initiated after the Human Rights Council approved a fact-finding mission and Commission of Inquiry in February, following seizures of Kivu cities by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
- Initial evidence indicates the occurrence of summary executions, extreme sexual violence—including cases involving many children—and additional human rights abuses in North and South Kivu, all amid severe budgetary and personnel limitations.
- UN High Commissioner Volker Turk emphasized that the commission’s work remains stalled due to a $60 million drop in voluntary contributions this year, which has depleted OHCHR’s reserves and hindered progress.
- The funding shortfall has stalled investigations, with South Africa calling the delay a grave mistake and DRC warning this risks implying the investigation is unimportant.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Funding crisis stalls UN probe into possible war crimes in DRC
A UN-mandated commission investigating suspected human rights violations and war crimes in Democratic Republic of Congo cannot proceed due to a funding crisis in the UN human rights office, according to a letter seen
In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the last few months have been particularly difficult for humanitarian workers. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has just published a report in which it identifies nearly 300 incidents between January and May 2025 in five of the eastern provinces of the country.
Funding crisis stalls UN probe into possible war crimes in Congo
A U.N.-mandated commission investigating suspected human rights violations and war crimes in Democratic Republic of Congo cannot proceed due to a funding crisis in the U.N. human rights office (OHCHR), according to a letter seen
Funding Crisis Halts DR Congo War Crimes Investigation
The U.N.-mandated commission investigating human rights violations in the DRC is stalled due to a funding crisis, primarily caused by reduced contributions from countries and foreign aid cuts from the U.S. Preliminary findings reveal war crimes, including executions and sexual violence, but further investigation is hindered by budget constraints.
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