UN officials have accused M23 rebels in eastern DRC of summary executions, especially of children, amid their recent takeover of Bukavu. Reports confirm children’s involvement in the conflict and highlights humanitarian risk from violence affecting aid facilities. The UN Human Rights Council has initiated an investigation into various atrocities committed by both sides since the start of the year, as the conflict has caused extensive displacement and a humanitarian crisis.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has accused M23 rebels of committing grievous atrocities, including the summary execution of children in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During a press conference, Mr. Turk reported that instances of children being killed and recruited by the rebels have been confirmed. He indicated that since the rebels seized Bukavu, children have been found in possession of weapons, raising concerns about their involvement in armed conflict.
Moreover, the recent M23 takeover of Bukavu, a city with a population of 1.3 million, has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. As violence escalates, humanitarian aid facilities, including hospitals and warehouses, have also come under attack. Mr. Turk’s statement coincides with previous reports that both government and rebel forces have been involved in child recruitment.
This month, the United Nations Human Rights Council established a commission to investigate atrocities reported since the beginning of the year, which include summary executions and sexual violence. Reports also indicated arbitrary arrests related to the ongoing violence, as well as allegations of mistreatment of young men who fled the combat zones.
The M23 rebels, who have received support from approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, seem to aspire to gain political power in the DRC, contrasting with their brief previous control over Goma in 2012. The ongoing conflict has persisted for decades, resulting in the displacement of over 6 million individuals and creating one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally. In the midst of these conflicts, Rwanda has accused the DRC of recruiting Hutu fighters from the 1994 genocide, while M23 claims to protect Tutsis and Congolese people of Rwandan descent from discrimination, although critics suggest these reasons merely serve as a façade for Rwanda’s active involvement in DRC affairs.
The UN High Commissioner’s remarks highlight severe implications of the M23’s actions on vulnerable populations, particularly children, amidst a backdrop of sustained humanitarian crisis. The establishment of a commission to investigate reported atrocities underscores the urgency of addressing the violence that continues to torment eastern DRC. Ongoing international scrutiny and support for human rights in this conflict-ridden region appear crucial for prevention and potential resolutions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
