Refugess near Goma, a city in Northern Kivu, DRC. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Speaking at a special session of the UN Human Rights Council, Türk voiced deep concern over the worsening security situation, cautioning that if left unchecked, the violence could have repercussions beyond eastern DRC, impacting the broader region.

He urged all parties to lay down their arms, resume dialogue, step up conflict prevention efforts, and support peace initiatives. He also underscored the need to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law.

Also on Friday, the UN Human Rights Council condemned Rwanda for supporting the armed group M23 in the DRC and announced an investigation into alleged human rights violations in the region. The council demanded that armed groups immediately end hostilities, withdraw from occupied areas, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access for civilians in need.