Field Notes from the Research Committee: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Crisis (2024)

Overview In 2024, the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached unprecedented levels of insecurity, particularly in the eastern provinces. Armed conflicts, led by various factions such as the M23, have exacerbated a situation marked by human rights abuses, mass displacement, and a failing infrastructure. Despite diplomatic efforts, violence persists, displacing millions and causing widespread suffering.

The Global Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has been closely monitoring the situation, focusing on the growing humanitarian needs, displacement, and human rights violations.

Key Findings

1. Widespread Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis Eastern DRC has seen massive displacement, with over 6 million people forcibly uprooted due to ongoing conflicts, primarily in North Kivu and South Kivu. These regions have borne the brunt of escalating clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC) and armed groups like M23. The violence has pushed 2.5 million people into Goma alone, creating severe humanitarian strains, with camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) overcrowded and severely under-resourced

• Children, women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable, facing acute shortages of food, water, shelter, and healthcare. In many areas, humanitarian access is restricted due to the ongoing violence, leaving civilians in dire need of basic services​

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2. Escalating Human Rights Violations Between October 2023 and March 2024, over 2,110 human rights violations were documented, with 59% of these abuses attributed to armed groups, including summary executions and sexual violence. M23, in particular, has been responsible for egregious violations, including the recruitment of child soldiers, forced labor, and sexual abuse of women and children. Government forces (FARDC) have also been implicated in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and destruction of property during military campaigns​

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• Sexual violence remains rampant, especially in and around IDP camps, where women and girls face constant threats from both armed groups and opportunistic actors. Reports indicate that 156 individuals were executed by M23 forces, and 127 civilians were abducted in 2024​

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3. The Withdrawal of MONUSCO The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) is in the process of withdrawing its peacekeeping forces from the region, further destabilizing an already volatile situation. The security vacuum left by MONUSCO’s disengagement has raised concerns that armed groups will exploit the absence of peacekeepers, leading to increased attacks on civilians. The Congolese armed forces and police lack the capacity to fill the gap, leaving many communities defenseless​

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Recommendations

1. Urgent Humanitarian Assistance The DRC faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and unable to access basic necessities. The international community must urgently scale up humanitarian aid, focusing on food, medical supplies, and shelter for IDPs in regions such as North Kivu and Ituri. This aid must prioritize vulnerable populations, including children, women, and the elderly.

2. Strengthen Regional and Diplomatic Efforts The Nairobi and Luanda peace processes must be reinvigorated with a focus on human rights. The DRC government, alongside regional actors like Rwanda and Uganda, must take immediate steps to de-escalate the conflict and ensure accountability for human rights abuses committed by both state and non-state actors. Diplomatic efforts should be complemented by reinforcements of national security forces to prevent further exploitation by armed groups​(

Global Voices

3. Protect Civilians and Reinforce Accountability There is an urgent need for independent investigations into human rights abuses, including those committed by government forces. International pressure must be placed on the DRC to hold perpetrators accountable. A stronger monitoring mechanism is also required to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable civilians, particularly in conflict zones where the state’s presence is weak​ United Nations Press.

Conclusion

The situation in the DRC remains one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. Without a concerted effort to halt the violence and ensure the protection of civilians, the humanitarian disaster will only deepen.

The Global Human Rights Commission (GHRC) calls on the international community, regional governments, and the DRC’s leadership to prioritize peacebuilding, protect the rights of displaced civilians, and address the root causes of conflict to foster long-term stability in the region.