UN human rights chief Volker Türk has accused M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo, supported by Rwanda, of killing children and attacking humanitarian facilities. The rebels have captured key cities, exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions. Uganda has also deployed troops to assist in mitigating the violence.
The UN’s human rights chief has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo of committing grave violations, including the killing of children and attacks on hospitals and humanitarian aid warehouses. Volker Türk confirmed cases of summary executions of children after M23’s takeover of Bukavu, with reports indicating children were also armed. The situation escalates as the M23, capturing Bukavu, adds to previously reported fighting in Goma that left at least 3,000 dead and thousands displaced.
The M23 is now a leading force among the over 100 armed groups vying for the vast mineral wealth in eastern DRC, critical for global technology industries. Supporting the rebels are approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to UN assessments. In response, Rwanda alleges that the DRC government has been engaging Hutu fighters implicated in the 1994 genocide. M23 claims to advocate for the rights of Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent, although critics view this as a guise for broader ambitions.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over six million people being displaced, making it one of the worst humanitarian crises worldwide. Recently, Ugandan military forces entered the city of Bunia in eastern Congo to assist local forces in controlling violent outbreaks among armed ethnic groups. International scrutiny and a recent UN commission aim to investigate atrocities committed by both the M23 and the Congolese government forces.
The accusations against Rwandan-backed M23 rebels underline a troubling pattern of human rights violations in eastern DR Congo, including child killings and forced recruitment. The conflict, fueled by complex regional dynamics, has led to significant humanitarian crises. As international bodies call for accountability, the situation demands urgent attention to protect vulnerable populations in the region.
Original Source: www.wral.com
