The United States has reaffirmed that ending violence against civilians, particularly women and children in conflict-affected areas, remains one of its key priorities in promoting peace, justice, and respect for human rights worldwide.
This was reiterated on July 8, 2026, when the United States Deputy Representative to the United Nations, Tammy Bruce, addressed the 10,190th meeting of the UN Security Council, which focused on strengthening measures to protect survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
The meeting was chaired by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, represented by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. It focused on the theme: “Fulfilling the Promise of International Law for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.”
Ambassador Tammy Bruce said that words alone are not enough to address the challenges facing people in conflict-affected areas, but that concrete actions are needed to protect civilians, especially those who are not involved in the fighting.
She said that practical measures demonstrate genuine commitment to combating violence and seeking justice for victims.
The diplomat also said that President Donald Trump’s administration has prioritized finding solutions to conflicts around the world, stressing that as wars continue, the international community has a responsibility to take measures to protect civilians affected by them.
This comes at a time when serious conflicts continue in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with various sides accusing each other of actions that threaten the safety of civilians.
In Minembwe areas including Gakenke, Kalingi, Gitavi, Lundu, Bidegu, and others, reports of military activities have continued for days, affecting civilians. MRDP-Twirwaneho leaders say their forces repelled attacks aimed at destabilizing communities and that life in some areas has now started returning to normal.
On the other hand, some residents say that during the fighting, some of their property, including livestock and basic goods, was looted. They say those responsible should be held accountable.
Ambassador Tammy Bruce also referred to sanctions imposed by the United States Treasury Department on some leaders and commanders of armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including those accused of involvement in activities that violate human rights.
The United States said the sanctions are aimed at holding accountable individuals accused of involvement in serious crimes, including sexual violence and other acts targeting civilians.
However, on the other hand, supporters of the AFC/M23 coalition argue that some of its leaders who were sanctioned should not be viewed as perpetrators of violence against civilians, but rather as individuals they say are fighting to protect communities in eastern Congo that have long faced insecurity, violence, and insufficient protection.
They argue that the AFC/M23 issue should be examined from a broader perspective, including the root causes that have allowed the conflict to continue, as well as the grievances of communities they say have been ignored by government authorities.
The meeting took place as provinces in eastern DRC continue to face serious security challenges, with various armed groups still engaged in fighting, further worsening the impact on civilians’ lives.
Women and children remain among the groups most affected by the consequences of these conflicts, as international organizations continue to call for all possible measures to protect civilians and ensure that those suspected of crimes are brought to justice.
Although diplomatic efforts continue by various countries and international organizations, the security situation in eastern DRC has yet to find a lasting solution, as opposing sides continue accusing each other of violating agreements and maintaining military activities.
Analysts say that achieving lasting peace in eastern Congo requires addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, including civilian security, governance, respect for human rights, and the reasons driving different armed groups to take up weapons.
As the United States continues to emphasize that perpetrators must be held accountable, some residents in conflict-affected areas are calling for deeper investigations into their challenges, so that protecting civilians is not treated only as a political or military issue, but also as a matter of justice and the value of human life.
