Human Rights Watch Reports Civilian Atrocities by Rwandan Forces and M23 Rebels in the DRC
Human Rights Watch has condemned civilian atrocities attributed to Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group in the DRC. The report highlights rampant violence, including indiscriminate attacks and sexual violence, against vulnerable populations. Calls for accountability and humanitarian aid have intensified amid deteriorating conditions.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report on Thursday that recounts numerous civilian atrocities occurring in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amid the ongoing confrontation between Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group. The presence of these forces near the town of Sake has placed local residents and over 500,000 displaced individuals at heightened risk of violence and humanitarian crises. The M23, an armed group led by ethnic Tutsis and supported by Rwanda, has been at the forefront of an insurgency that has rekindled since 2021. HRW’s findings indicate that the M23 has been implicated in widespread abuses against civilians, including indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence, and the forced conscription of child soldiers. The crisis has intensified due to Rwanda’s alleged support for the group, even in light of persistent international appeals for peace. Within North Kivu, where significant fighting has unfolded, displacement camps close to Goma have become critical areas for violence. Particularly, the Shabindu-Kashaka displacement site in North Kivu has suffered severely due to the conflict’s brutality. In early April, this site was struck by rockets launched by Rwandan military forces and M23, resulting in the tragic death of a 19-year-old individual and significant destruction of shelters. Further assaults occurred on May 3, when additional rocket strikes targeted the Lac Vert and Mugunga neighborhoods, claiming at least 17 civilian lives, including those of 15 children. HRW has highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions within the Kanyaruchinya camp, revealing that armed individuals, identified as Wazalendo fighters, have conducted unlawful detentions and extortions. Detainees are confined to makeshift holding areas labeled “kiboro,” and survivors have reported experiences of abuse and violence. The report also indicates a disturbing rise in sexual violence incidents, where survivors report that their assailants often wore military uniforms, with some camps evidencing 50 to 100 cases of sexual violence per week. Such actions constitute not only severe breaches of human rights but are recognized as war crimes within conflict zones. The actions described in HRW’s report may represent violations of international humanitarian law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention aimed at protecting civilians during armed conflicts. Unlawful detentions and extortions could also qualify as war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. HRW has urged both Congolese and Rwandan authorities to conduct thorough investigations into these war crimes, particularly those involving sexual violence, invoking the principle of command responsibility for military leaders. The organization also calls for comprehensive humanitarian assistance for all civilians at risk, including legal, social, and medical support for survivors of sexual violence. Furthermore, HRW advocates for the endorsement of the 2022 Political Declaration designed to enhance the protection of civilians from the humanitarian repercussions of using explosive weapons in populated areas. In this regard, HRW stresses the necessity for the United Nations, European Union, and other international entities to vigilantly oversee military aid to both parties, ensuring that this assistance does not facilitate further human rights abuses and that compliance with human rights standards is maintained.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced prolonged instability and conflict, particularly in its eastern provinces, where various armed groups, including the M23, have operated with impunity, often exploiting local ethnic tensions. This situation has resulted in numerous humanitarian crises, with over a million people displaced and vulnerable to violence and exploitation. The role of neighboring Rwanda, which is accused of providing support to the M23, complicates the conflict dynamics further, raising concerns regarding international human rights and humanitarian law violations.
In summary, Human Rights Watch has brought to light the grave humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict in the DRC, exacerbated by the actions of both Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group. Reports of civilian atrocities including indiscriminate violence, sexual assaults, and forced recruitment highlight an urgent need for accountability and protection for the affected populations. There is a pressing demand for comprehensive international oversight to safeguard against further violations of human rights as well as support for the victims of these heinous acts.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
