The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) has announced that critical activities mandated by the Council are at risk of being halted due to an ongoing funding crisis, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Among the suspended initiatives is the commission of inquiry into serious human rights violations in Eastern Congo. This investigation was established earlier this year during an emergency session in response to urgent appeals from Congolese, regional, and international rights organizations. Its interruption has raised concerns about delays in accountability and justice for victims.

The financial shortfall is not limited to this inquiry. Investigations in other regions, including Sudan, Palestine, and Ukraine, are reportedly functioning at only 30 to 60 percent of their intended capacity.

Several states, particularly those with documented human rights concerns, have attempted to use the funding crisis to challenge the Council’s country-specific investigations or to undermine the independence of the High Commissioner’s office. Eritrea, for instance, cited the crisis in a failed effort to end scrutiny of its own human rights record.

The root cause of the funding gap stems from delayed or unpaid contributions from member states. The United States has contributed almost nothing recently, while China’s payments have been significantly delayed. Together, these two countries account for nearly half of the UN’s budget. Currently, 79 countries have not yet paid their 2025 membership fees, including Eritrea, Iran, Cuba, and Russia.

Human rights advocates stress the urgent need for all member states to fulfill their financial obligations to ensure at least partial delivery of all Council-mandated activities. Prompt investigations into mass atrocities are essential tools for prevention, protection, and securing justice, and cannot be postponed.

UN