HRW criticized the EU for its inadequate response to Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels in the eastern DRC, warning that this inaction exacerbates humanitarian atrocities. Although a resolution to freeze aid to Rwanda was passed by the European Parliament, it remains non-binding and unenforced. HRW emphasized that without concrete actions, such as sanctions, the violence and impunity in the region will persist, endangering civilian lives.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) published a report criticizing the European Union’s inadequate response to Rwanda’s involvement with M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organization claims that the EU’s failure to act is intensifying atrocities in the region. Although the European Parliament adopted a resolution in February 2025 urging the freezing of budget support to Rwanda until it ceases rebel support, these actions remain non-binding and unenforced by the European Commission.
HRW highlighted that the lack of EU enforcement hampers accountability for perpetrators and worsens the humanitarian crisis. The M23, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has captured significant cities like Bukavu and Goma, resulting in mass displacements and egregious human rights violations, including the killing of children and widespread sexual violence.
The EU has expressed serious concerns, denouncing the advances of M23 and Rwanda’s military actions as breaches of international law and DRC’s sovereignty. In January 2025, the EU called for an end to hostilities and urged Rwanda to stop its assistance to the M23 rebels. However, HRW contends that without concrete action, such as financial sanctions, the EU’s verbal denunciations lack meaningful impact.
HRW has called upon the EU to convert its verbal criticisms into effective actions by implementing the recommendations of the European Parliament. The organization emphasizes that aid to Rwanda should be conditioned upon ending support for DRC armed groups. Furthermore, HRW urges the international community to focus on human rights protection and accountability mechanisms to address the ongoing crisis in the region.
The EU’s inaction regarding Rwanda’s involvement with M23 rebels exacerbates violence and suffering in eastern DRC. While the EU has expressed concern, HRW argues that mere statements are insufficient. Effective measures such as sanctions and conditional aid are necessary to pressure Rwanda and alleviate the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the critical need for accountability and protection of human rights in the region.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
