The U.N. human rights chief said on Friday that he was deeply disturbed by the escalating crisis in eastern Congo, urging all those with influence to help halt the violence and warning of a risk that it spreads beyond the country's borders.

The Democratic Republic of Congo requested the session and it would take place on Feb. 7 in Geneva, the U.N. statement said. So far, 27 countries have supported the meeting, surpassing the requirement for a third of the 47-member council, it said.