UN human rights chief Volker Turk has accused M23 rebels in the DRC of serious human rights abuses, including the summary execution of children and recruitment into armed conflict. The ongoing violence has led to significant casualties and displacement of civilians. The UN is investigating these violations while the conflict puts millions at risk in a humanitarian crisis.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has accused M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, of committing serious human rights violations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His office has confirmed instances of summary executions and the recruitment of children by these rebels following their recent capture of Bukavu, a major city in the region. Reports indicate that children were found in possession of weapons, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis.
Reports have also emerged regarding M23’s attacks on hospitals and facilities holding humanitarian aid, exacerbating the plight of civilians. This alarming situation follows the rebels’ takeover of Goma, a city that has seen intense fighting, resulting in significant casualties and mass displacements of populations. At least 3,000 individuals have died due to the conflict, further highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The UN Human Rights Council has initiated a commission to probe atrocities committed by both M23 rebels and Congolese government forces, including grave accusations of rape and killings resembling summary executions. Turk’s office has received numerous complaints about arbitrary arrests, mistreatment of detainees, and forced returns of Congolese youth fleeing violence from neighboring nations.
M23 has asserted its objectives involve protecting Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent from alleged discrimination and transforming the DRC into a stable state. Rwanda has accused the DRC of recruiting fighters linked to the 1994 genocide. Analysts warn that unlike previous actions in 2012, the M23 may aim for political power this time, amplifying regional tensions.
The ongoing conflict continues to create one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, displacing over 6 million individuals in the region as armed groups contend over the control of DRC’s vast resources, crucial for global technology production.
The UN has confirmed alarming violations by M23 rebels in the DRC, including child recruitment and summary executions. The formation of a UN commission aims to investigate these atrocities amidst escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the region, indicative of the larger quest for control over DRC’s vast mineral resources. The situation remains dire as millions are displaced and the need for international intervention intensifies.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
