The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has accused M23 rebels in the DRC of summary executions and child recruitment, especially in Bukavu after their recent capture of Goma. The situation has escalated into significant humanitarian crises, prompting investigations into human rights violations committed by both sides in the conflict.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Turk, has publicly expressed grave concerns regarding the actions of M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He reported that his office has substantiated allegations of summary executions and the recruitment of children by these rebels, particularly following their recent capture of Bukavu. Mr. Turk emphasized that these violations included attacks on healthcare facilities and warehouses designated for humanitarian assistance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Turk mentioned confirmed instances of M23 forces executing children in Bukavu. Reports indicate that these minors were also armed. He refrained from citing specific incidents; however, previous assertions from UN agencies have indicated that both the M23 rebels and Congolese government forces have engaged in child recruitment.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has initiated a commission to investigate human rights atrocities that have transpired since the beginning of the year. These atrocities consist of rape and killings resembling summary executions carried out by both parties involved in the conflict. Additionally, reports have surfaced regarding arbitrary arrests and the mistreatment of Congolese young men attempting to escape the ongoing violence.
The M23 rebels captured Bukavu, a city with a population of approximately 1.3 million people, on Sunday after taking Goma, situated 101 kilometers to the north, last month. The violence has claimed the lives of at least 3,000 individuals and rendered thousands homeless, amid intense fighting in Goma.
The M23 group stands as the most notable among over 100 armed factions contesting the eastern DRC, region known for its vast mineral wealth vital for global technology. With backing from approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, the M23 rebels are currently under scrutiny. Rwanda has accused DRC of recruiting individuals involved in the 1994 genocide against Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
The M23 claims to be defending Tutsis and Rwandan-origin Congolese citizens while asserting its objective to reform Congo from a failed state to a modern entity. Critics, however, argue that this narrative serves merely as a pretext for Rwanda’s active involvement in the situation.
Analysts suggest that, unlike in 2012, when M23 temporarily captured Goma before retreating under international pressure, the rebels now appear to be pursuing greater political authority. The prolonged conflict in the region has led to the displacement of over six million individuals, contributing to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
In summary, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the actions of M23 rebels in the DRC, notably their purported summary executions and child recruitment practices. The ongoing conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises, with thousands displaced and numerous human rights violations reported. An investigation into these claims is underway, highlighting the urgent need for resolution and accountability in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
