The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) published its monthly report on Thursday, October 29. Although the number of documented cases decreased compared to June, the UN body urges caution regarding the interpretation of these figures.
In July 2026, the UNJHRO documented 464 human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, affecting at least 1,081 victims. This figure represents a 30% decrease compared to June, when 657 cases were recorded.
Mainly Conflict-Affected Areas
Over 90% of recorded cases were concentrated in provinces affected by armed conflict:
- North Kivu: 270 cases
- South Kivu: 89 cases
- Ituri: 52 cases
However, the UNJHRO stresses that this decline does not necessarily reflect an improvement on the ground. Growing insecurity forced many information sources to flee conflict areas, severely restricting data collection and verification.
In provinces unaffected by armed conflict, 47 violations were recorded (a 43% decrease compared to June). The report highlights excessive use of force by certain members of defense and security forces, as well as persistent failures in accountability mechanisms.
Sexual Violence and Abuses in Civic Space
The report documents at least 41 cases of conflict-related sexual violence affecting 76 victims (42 women and 34 girls). North Kivu accounts for 75% of recorded victims, followed by Ituri (15%) and South Kivu (9%).
Additionally, 15 violations of civic space were documented, affecting seven victims, including a minor.
Fight Against Impunity
On the judicial front, military courts initiated 18 prosecutions targeting nine FARDC soldiers, four Congolese National Police (PNC) officers, and five civilians.
Nearly all defendants were convicted, with the exception of two acquitted civilians. Six FARDC soldiers were sentenced to death.
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