HRC 62 - EU statement - Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

United Nations Human Rights Council

62^th session

Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 

29 June 2026

EU Statement

Mr. President,

We thank the experts for their oral update, which was provided under difficult circumstances amid the liquidity crisis, and we commend them for the work they were able to accomplish under these adverse conditions.

The EU strongly condemns the grave human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, committed in eastern DRC by government forces and armed groups and calls for all those responsible to be held to account. We are horrified by reports of extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions. In line with the ongoing peace processes, we reiterate our call on Rwanda to deliver on the process of the disengagement of its forces/lifting of defensive measures and immediately cease all support to the M23, and on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive operations and withdraw from all controlled areas. We further urge on the government of the DRC to stop their support to armed groups and to continue its efforts towards the neutralization of the FDLR. 

The grave violations against children as well as the wide-spread use of sexual and gender-based violence, targeting particularly women and girls, are unacceptable and must end immediately and require accountability without delay. In addition, we are seriously concerned about the impact of drone strikes on civilians.. More needs to be done urgently to implement a ceasefire, to protect civilians and aid workers and ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access. This is particularly pressing in the context of the current Ebola outbreak. 

We also call upon all parties, as well as third countries, to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations of the ICC. The continuing deterioration in the human rights situation highlights the need to provide the Independent Commission of Inquiry with adequate resources so that it can contribute effectively to the fight against impunity.

The EU reaffirms its support for the ongoing peace efforts. African leadership is central to lasting peace. 

Distinguished experts,

Which actions need to be prioritized to end the cycle of violence and impunity in eastern DRC?