UN condemns M23 violence against human rights defenders in DRC

UN human rights consultants on Thursday condemned acts of “excessive violence” dedicated by the M23 (Motion du 23 Mars) armed group towards human rights defenders within the North and South Kivu provinces within the jap Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that activists documenting abuses face escalating reprisals.

In accordance with the Workplace of the UN Excessive Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), M23 members have allegedly carried out focused killings, abductions, torture, sexual violence, and dying threats towards rights defenders between November 2025 and February 2026. The OHCHR stated that in sure circumstances, ladies human rights defenders protesting compelled expulsions in Uvira had been reportedly kidnapped and tortured, and a defender of LGBT rights was repeatedly seized and compelled into hiding. 

Beneath worldwide humanitarian legislation (IHL), M23 qualifies as an organized non-state armed group engaged in a non-international armed battle and is subsequently sure by Widespread Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and customary IHL to respect minimal protections for civilians. The focusing on of people documenting abuses can also undermine efforts to protect proof and advance accountability at a time when worldwide mechanisms are being mobilised. 

UN officers have beforehand condemned lethal assaults towards civilians within the nation, and present occasions warn of continued instability within the area. Human Rights Watch (HRW) equally warned earlier this yr that civilians in South Kivu face grave dangers amid ongoing hostilities, documenting abstract killings and threats by armed actors. The convergence of assaults on civilians and rights staff factors to a shortly narrowing operational house for civil society in areas affected by hostilities.  

Amidst the tense political and navy circumstances within the area, healthcare entry in North and South Kivu has develop into “more and more tough” resulting from safety threats, displacements, and pressure on the medical services and staff. 

The warning comes amid broader worldwide concern over escalating violence in jap DRC. The UN reported that renewed clashes involving M23 have led to civilian displacement and worsening insecurity in components of North and South Kivu. In response to critical violations within the area, the UN Human Rights Council adopted Decision S-37/1, establishing a fact-finding mission mandated to research abuses, violence, abductions, and assaults towards human rights defenders and journalists.

The consultants reiterated that whereas the alleged violations are attributed to M23, the DRC authorities retains the duty to guard people inside its territory and to make sure immediate, neutral investigations and accountability. Rapid measures to safeguard civil society actors had been referred to as for to make sure that defenders can perform their work with out worry.