A U.N.-mandated Commission of Inquiry into alleged human rights violations and war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been forced to suspend its work due to a deepening financial crisis within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The abrupt halt comes just months after the Human Rights Council in Geneva approved the mission, highlighting growing concerns about the global commitment to justice and accountability.
The investigation, which aimed to uncover the truth behind reported massacres, summary executions, and systematic sexual violence in North and South Kivu, particularly in conflict hotspots such as Goma and Bukavu, was set in motion following the February 2025 special session of the Human Rights Council. The urgency of the mission was amplified by the seizure of these areas by M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, a claim Kigali has consistently denied.
Despite the gravity of the alleged atrocities, the Commission’s efforts have now stalled due to a $60 million shortfall in voluntary contributions to the OHCHR this year.
According to U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, the lack of resources has “critically impeded” staffing and investigative capabilities, leaving the Commission unable to proceed without immediate funding.
Alex El Jundi, head of the OHCHR’s Investigations Support Unit, called the situation “regrettable” and noted that preliminary findings already point to violations that may constitute war crimes. The office had already dipped into its limited reserves to allocate $1.1 million to launch the fact-finding phase, funds that are now exhausted. An estimated $3.9 million is still needed to fully implement the Commission’s mandate.
The development has drawn strong criticism from member states. South Africa labelled the delay a “grave mistake,” while DRC officials warned it sends a dangerous signal about the perceived importance of justice in their country. The OHCHR has pledged to seek regular budget allocations by 2026, but for victims waiting on accountability, justice delayed may increasingly feel like justice denied.
