UN reports increased violence in Eastern DR Congo.

The UN human rights office has reported a devastating surge in violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with at least 319 civilians killed by M23 fighters in just two weeks. 

According to the UN, the victims include 48 women and 19 children, mostly local farmers attacked while working in their fields.

Despite recent peace agreements, including a bilateral peace deal signed on June 27 in Washington and the Doha Declaration on July 19, violence persists. 

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned the attacks, calling for an immediate stop to violence against civilians and accountability for those responsible, urging signatories to translate these agreements into tangible safety and security for civilians.

The escalating violence has worsened the humanitarian crisis, with over 7.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in eastern DRC, 28 million facing food insecurity, and 30,000 refugees fleeing from South Sudan. 

The World Food Programme has also warned of potential suspension of lifesaving assistance due to funding shortfalls, while health services collapse under pressure, with a 276% increase in attacks on health workers and facilities.

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