PGA expresses its deep concern over the current escalating violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and its devastating effect on the civilian population, who has been exposed to atrocities for an excessive period of time. It particularly extends its wishes of solidarity with its parliamentary members in the country, as well as civil society organizations partners, who provide essential work to uphold human rights despite grave threats to their lives and work, as they face increased targeted attacks.

Armed violence and conflict have caused deep suffering for more than 30 years in the DRC, and particularly in North and South Kivu provinces, as well as in the Ituri region, where about a hundred-armed groups sow terror. In November 2021, fighting between the March 23 Movement (23) and the DRC Armed Forces resumed after eight years of inactivity, leading to episodes of reported atrocities allegedly committed against civilians, including alleged summary executions, arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, kidnappings, forced recruitment (including of child soldiers), forced displacement, and the use of rape as a weapon of war. Women and girls have been disproportionately affected, subjected to acts of violence that leave lasting physical and psychological trauma. PGA condemns these alleged atrocities in the strongest terms and call for urgent action to ensure accountability and justice for survivors.

All responses must ensure that voices of victims and survivors of these grave crimes are at the center of any accountability and humanitarian effort. Urgent measures must be taken to protect civilians, provide essential humanitarian aid, as well as support and protection for human rights defenders. We also emphasize the need for gender-sensitive actions, prioritizing the specific needs of women and girls, including access to medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance.

The population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has endured unimaginable suffering for far too long. We must break the cycle of impunity and ensure that those responsible for war crimes and sexual violence are held accountable. Women and girls, who have been the most affected by this conflict, must not be left behind – they must be part of any peace process and post-conflict reconstruction. The international community must go beyond statements and provide support and solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, therefore acting decisively to protect civilians, support survivors and work towards a just and lasting peace. We cannot allow this crisis to escalate further – lives are at stake, and urgent action is needed now. Hon. Christelle Vuanga, PGA Member (The DRC)

Accountability remains a key pillar in addressing the root causes of this conflict. The fight against impunity in the country has come a long way, with the first step already took in 2004, when the ICC Office of the Prosecutor opened an investigation following a first referral by the DRC authorities for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the context of the armed conflict since 1 July 2002. Since then, seven public arrest warrants were issued and three convictions were pronounced (against Mr. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, Mr. Germain Katanga, and Mr. Bosco Ntaganda). In 2023, the DRC submitted a second referral, concerning alleged crimes committed in North Kivu since 1 January 2022, which led to the resuming of the Office of the Prosecutor’s investigative efforts in the country, focusing specifically in crimes allegedly committed in North Kivu since January 2022.

In parallel, on 7 February, following the civil society organizations joint letter that PGA joined, the Human Rights Council announced the establishment of a Fact-Finding Mission on Human Rights Abuses and Violations in the Provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, and the establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to continue work of the Fact-Finding Mission.

While PGA welcomes this development, it also calls on the international community to take concrete steps to support any accountability mechanisms, including to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze evidence of violations, and to ensure that survivors have access to justice.

PGA also urges all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. The ongoing violence must not be allowed to spiral further, deepening the suffering of the Congolese population and destabilizing the region. We urge all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue to secure a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the crisis.

PGA stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of the DRC and remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving justice, accountability, and sustainable peace in the region.