The United Nations has warned that the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could worsen, with increasing reports of human rights abuses, including rape and sexual slavery. U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk raised alarm during an emergency meeting of the Human Rights Council on Friday, calling for urgent action to prevent further atrocities.

"If nothing is done, the worst may be yet to come, for the people of the eastern DRC, but also beyond the country’s borders," Türk said, urging influential actors to intervene.

The meeting, convened at Congo’s request, focused on investigating alleged human rights violations by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The armed group has seized the city of Goma and continues to expand its control over more territory. Türk expressed deep concern over multiple reports of rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery, warning that these abuses are likely to escalate.

Rwanda’s representative at the council denied any involvement in the conflict, instead accusing Congo of planning an attack against its western neighbor.

Several African nations joined other countries in condemning the violations, while Washington, a former key council member, left its seat vacant following the U.S. withdrawal from the body under former President Donald Trump.

In response to the crisis, Congo proposed the establishment of a U.N. Fact-Finding Mission to investigate rights abuses in the region. The motion was adopted by consensus, with Rwanda as the sole dissenting voice, according to an internal U.N. document seen by Reuters. The mission is expected to deliver a comprehensive report by September 2025.

Although the U.N. Human Rights Council lacks legally binding authority, its resolutions and investigations often increase international pressure and can contribute to war crimes prosecutions in global courts.