Human Rights Watch, along with 77 organizations, calls for the UN Human Rights Council to investigate abuses by all sides in the eastern DRC conflict. An independent body is needed to document violations and enforce accountability. The ongoing violence has displaced many and culminated in significant civilian casualties, demanding immediate international action.
The United Nations Human Rights Council is urged to establish an independent inquiry into the ongoing abuses committed by all parties involved in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This call comes ahead of an emergency session scheduled for February 7, 2025, and is supported by over 77 human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch.
The focus of the UN meeting will be on the severe conflict involving the M23 armed group, the Congolese military, and affiliated militias. Recent hostilities have inflicted significant civilian suffering, marked by unlawful killings, sexual violence, and forced displacements, creating a serious humanitarian crisis.
Activist Stewart Muhindo Kalyamughuma highlighted the long-standing cycle of violence stemming from unchecked impunity for past crimes committed by various factions in Congo. He emphasized that systematic documentation and accountability for current human rights violations are vital to break this cycle of violence and promote a path toward justice.
The call for an emergency session was made by the Congolese ambassador with the backing of 48 countries. Violence in eastern Congo has intensified, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths in Goma alone during recent clashes, while the worsening conditions have led to substantial displacements and disrupted access to humanitarian aid.
Human Rights Watch notes that both the M23 and the Congolese army, in addition to their allied militias, are implicated in severe abuses against civilians, particularly among internally displaced populations. There is a pressing need for an impartial investigative body to ensure accountability for transgressions regardless of the perpetrators’ affiliations.
An independent inquiry would provide a necessary and credible account of violations of international law, deter future abuses, and support victims in their quest for justice and reparations. Efforts from regional organizations, alongside the African Union, emphasize the importance of adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of vulnerable populations.
The human rights organizations’ joint letter encapsulates the urgent need for accountability given the escalating crisis in eastern Congo. “The people of eastern Congo have endured immense suffering for many years,” stated Allan Ngari, advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, urging for decisive actions to establish the requested independent mandate.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been engulfed in conflict, particularly involving violent factions such as the M23 armed group. Amid ongoing hostilities, widespread human rights abuses have been reported affecting civilians, demonstrating a critical need for accountability and transparency in addressing these violations. The humanitarian situation is dire, with numerous displaced individuals facing extreme hardships and a breakdown of aid delivery, necessitating international intervention for resolution and support.
In conclusion, the call for an independent investigation by the UN Human Rights Council is imperative for addressing the rampant human rights violations in the DRC. Establishing accountability for all perpetrators is crucial to breaking the cycle of violence and impunity. Ensuring the protection of civilians and supporting victims is essential for promoting justice and respect for human rights in the region.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
