The United Nations has halted investigations into alleged war crimes and human rights violations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo due to a severe funding crisis, the UN Human Rights Office.
The crisis stems from missed contributions by several UN member states and reduced foreign aid from the United States, leaving the Office unable to proceed with its work. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said evidence gathered so far points to grave abuses by multiple parties in the region including the Rwandan backed M23 rebels, Congolese government forces, and affiliated militias.
Preliminary findings include reports of summary executions and extreme sexual violence, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces. Disturbingly, nearly 40% of victims of sexual and gender-based violence in the area are children.
Türk warned that financial and staffing shortfalls are seriously undermining the ability to protect civilians and pursue justice. While OHCHR hopes to secure reliable funding by 2026, investigations remain on hold for now. Any eventual evidence from these probes could support prosecutions at international courts, such as the International Criminal Court.
