Amnesty International Advocates Against Explosive Weapons in DRC Populated Areas
Amnesty International has called for an end to explosive weapons use in populated areas of the DRC, urging the International Criminal Court to investigate these attacks. Reports indicate significant civilian casualties caused by both the M23 group and the Congolese Army, prompting calls for compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants.
Amnesty International has urged the cessation of explosive weapon usage in densely populated areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a press release issued on Sunday, the organization called on the International Criminal Court to investigate these attacks as potential war crimes. The misuse of unguided rocket systems by both the Rwandan-backed M23 group and the Congolese Army has reportedly led to over 100 fatalities in more than 150 incidents from January to July 2024, with attacks frequently occurring near internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict involving various military factions, including the M23 rebel group. Amnesty International’s call for accountability highlights the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, designed to protect civilians during armed conflicts. This situation has drawn attention from various human rights organizations, which have reported continued violations, prompting calls for stricter adherence to military protocols and humanitarian standards.
Amnesty International’s pressing call to halt the use of explosive weapons in populated areas of the DRC underscores the urgent need for compliance with international humanitarian law. The lives of civilians continue to be at risk due to indiscriminate attacks, necessitating a concerted effort from the international community to prevent further violations and ensure accountability for the parties involved in this ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
