DR Congo: Rights chief warns crisis could worsen, without international action
February 7, 2025
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday warned that the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo could worsen without urgent international action, as violence and insecurity continue to plague the country.
“The situation in the DRC is deeply concerning,” said Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “The ongoing violence, displacement, and human rights violations are having a devastating impact on the people of the country.”
Bachelet said that over the past year, the violence in the eastern DRC has intensified, with armed groups carrying out attacks on civilians, including women and children. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, and many are living in fear of their lives.
“The international community cannot afford to remain silent while the people of the DRC continue to suffer,” Bachelet said. “We need to take urgent action to address the root causes of this crisis and prevent it from worsening.”
Bachelet called for an increase in international support for the DRC, including financial assistance, technical expertise, and diplomatic engagement. She also urged the government of the DRC to take steps to address the underlying causes of the conflict, including poverty, inequality, and corruption.
“The people of the DRC deserve to live in peace and security,” Bachelet said. “We must not let them down.”
The DRC has been plagued by violence and instability for decades. The country is home to dozens of armed groups, many of which are fighting for control of natural resources. The violence has led to the displacement of millions of people and has created a humanitarian crisis.
The international community has been providing assistance to the DRC for many years, but the crisis has continued to worsen. Bachelet’s warning comes at a time when the UN is seeking to renew its mandate in the DRC.
The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a new resolution on the DRC in the coming weeks. The resolution is likely to include a call for an increase in international support for the country.
DR Congo: Rights chief warns crisis could worsen, without international action
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