UN Accuses M23 Rebels of Human Rights Violations in Democratic Republic of Congo
Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has accused M23 rebels in the DRC of killing children and committing various human rights abuses. The conflict has intensified with the capture of Bukavu after Goma, leading to significant casualties and displacement. The situation is compounded by accusations of Rwandan support to the rebels, exacerbating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has officially accused the M23 rebels of committing grave violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly regarding the extrajudicial killings of children and unlawful recruitment practices. As a consequence of their recent actions in Bukavu, there are confirmed reports indicating that M23 has executed minors and engaged in violent attacks on hospitals and humanitarian aid warehouses.
In his statement, Commissioner Turk highlighted specific incidents involving the recruitment of children by the rebels, stating, “We are also aware that children were in possession of weapons”. He also noted ongoing investigations have revealed various atrocities including arbitrary arrests, detentions, instances of mistreatment, and forced repatriations of Congolese youths fleeing violence from neighboring countries.
The M23 has seized significant urban centers, capturing Bukavu after a prior takeover of Goma, resulting in profound humanitarian implications. Reports indicate that over 3,000 individuals have died amid the DRC conflict and countless others have been displaced, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region, which harbors vast mineral wealth crucial for global technology production.
Experts place responsibility on Rwanda, alleging that Rwanda has deployed troops to support M23, while M23 presents its struggle as a protective measure for Tutsis and Rwandan-origin Congolese, amidst accusations of discrimination. Unlike past conflicts, current analysts suggest that the M23 may be seeking political power rather than temporary control. The ongoing upheaval has displaced more than 6 million individuals, marking it as one of the gravest humanitarian crises worldwide.
In summary, the situation in the DRC remains critical as the M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan military forces, are implicated in severe human rights abuses, including the execution of children and illegal recruitment. The UN is currently conducting investigations into these atrocities, further underlining the escalating humanitarian crisis resulting from over a decade of conflict and instability in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
