Kinshasa, July 9th, 2026 (CPA).- Three hundred and eighty-two (382) cases of human rights violations and abuses committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during April 2026 have been documented by the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), according to a press release seen on Thursday by CPA. “During April 2026, the UNJHRO has documented 382 cases of human rights violations and abuses. The situation remains a cause for concern, particularly in the provinces affected by armed conflict,” it is read.
The source has further indicated that “the clashes between the warring factions have continued to expose civilian populations to summary executions, abductions, forced displacement and looting. The provinces of Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu and Ituri account for the majority of the documented violations”. According to the same document, the armed groups remain responsible for the majority of recorded violations and abuses, accounting for 79.34% of cases. With regard to conflict-related sexual violence, this United Nations office has reported 37 cases involving 52 victims, including 36 women and 16 girls.
The UNJHRO has also reported 12 violations relating to civic space, 8 cases of threats against human rights defenders and journalists, and 66 legal proceedings brought before military courts. Furthermore, 23 victims, including 12 women, have benefited from judicial protection measures with the Office’s support. In the same context, the press release has stated that seven training sessions have been organised for judicial, administrative and security authorities, as well as civil society organisations, with a view to strengthening the prevention of violations and the protection of human rights.