Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has accused M23 rebels in eastern DRC of committing summary executions and recruiting child soldiers. His office confirmed instances of violence following the rebels’ capture of Bukavu. With over 3,000 reported deaths and millions displaced, the ongoing conflict poses significant humanitarian challenges and requires urgent international attention.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has accused the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of committing severe human rights violations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He noted that his office has verified reports of the rebels killing children and forcibly recruiting minors amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. Turk condemned these acts and emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable populations in humanitarian crises.
In his statement, Turk highlighted incidents of summary executions, particularly focusing on children, after the M23’s recent capture of Bukavu, a city with a population of approximately 1.3 million. Reports also indicated that children were found armed during these operations. Additionally, the rebels have been implicated in attacks on vital humanitarian facilities and the unlawful detention of civilians.
The United Nations Human Rights Council recently established a commission to investigate grave offenses, including instances of sexual violence and extrajudicial killings by all parties involved in the conflict. Turk’s office has also received allegations regarding the forced return of Congolese individuals fleeing violence in neighboring nations, amid reports of arbitrary detentions and mistreatment.
The M23’s recent seizure of key cities, such as Bukavu and Goma, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with estimates suggesting over 3,000 fatalities from the combat. The conflict centers around control over lucrative mineral resources in eastern DRC, where the M23 is reportedly supported by Rwandan forces. Analysts suggest that the rebels are now seeking political power, unlike their previous brief occupation in 2012, raising concerns of lasting instability in the region.
Rwanda has accused the DRC of harboring Hutu fighters involved in the 1994 Tutsi genocide, while the M23 claims to advocate for Tutsi and Rwandan Congolese rights against alleged discrimination. The regional turmoil has resulted in the displacement of over 6 million individuals, compounding one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises and underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and support.
In conclusion, the UN Human Rights Commissioner has raised grave concerns regarding the M23 rebels’ actions, specifically the targeted killings of children and the assault on humanitarian resources. The establishment of a UN investigative commission reflects the international community’s response to the escalating violence in eastern DRC. The complex dynamics involving Rwandan support for the M23 and accusations against the DRC highlight the need for political resolution to the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian implications.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
