Kinshasa, February 24th, 2026 (CPA) – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) warned on Tuesday the UN Human Rights Council, meeting at the Nations Palace in Geneva, Switzerland, against the weakening of the international human rights protection system, deemed inseparable from international peace and stability. “The human rights system, inseparable from peace and stability, must not be weakened. Undermining these protection mechanisms jeopardizes peace and our collective future. Without accountability, there can be neither justice nor lasting peace,” stated Thérèse Kayikwamba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, she emphasized that current crises reflect an erosion of multilateralism and fundamental principles of international order. The Congolese foreign minister called for strengthening the resources of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to enable it to tackle traditional and emerging challenges, including those related to artificial intelligence and cyber violence. She noted that the effective execution of mandates entrusted by the Council constitutes an indicator of the collective determination of states to preserve the authority of the international human rights system. In her remarks, the Minister of State stressed that justice and sustainable peace require accountability, advocating for an international order based on respect for law and the sovereign equality of states. She reaffirmed the DRC’s cooperation with the independent inquiry commission established by the Council to ensure that documented violations in the country undergo rigorous investigations and that responsibilities are established. Additionally, she recalled the reforms undertaken by the Congolese government to strengthen the rule of law, accountability, and the protection of victims, particularly women and children, while highlighting that these efforts remain challenged by the consequences of conflict in the eastern part of the country. For Kinshasa, the credibility of the international human rights system depends on the fair application of principles of accountability and legality “to all, without exception,” which is essential for preserving collective peace and security.
Reforms Initiated to Strengthen the Rule of Law and Accountability
The Minister of State in charge of Foreign Affairs indicated that the DRC remains committed to the principles of the UN Charter and related international instruments on human rights, meaning that the country has initiated reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and accountability. “The protection of victims, particularly women and children, is a priority. We demonstrate this through a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual offenses and conflicts. The implementation of an institutional reparation mechanism, created by law for the protection and compensation of victims, is one such illustration. A fund has been established to restore the dignity of victims,” she emphasized. Beyond transitional justice, the Minister of State clarified that the DRC is also addressing the structural causes of violations, noting that “the creation of an economic and financial court aims to prosecute and bring to justice those responsible for offenses against the population and their fundamental rights.” Regarding the exploitation of strategic natural resources, she stated that the government demands compliance with international standards and the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, ensuring that the state holds responsibility across all value chains. “However, these efforts remain severely hindered by violations committed in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, particularly in areas occupied by the M23 rebels with support from Rwanda,” lamented Ms. Kayikwamba.