UN urges accountability for human rights abuses by M23 rebels in Congo

The United Nations has condemned the severe human rights abuses committed by the armed group “March 23 Movement” (M23), allegedly backed by Rwanda, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to the UN mission in the DRC, atrocities include massacres of civilians, particularly in areas captured by the rebels near Minowa in South Kivu province, Caliber.Az reports via Congolese media.

The insurgents have also occupied schools and hospitals, forcibly displaced residents of refugee camps, and subjected civilians to forced labor.

The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is dire. The city of Goma, home to over a million people, has been without a water supply for several days, forcing residents to rely on water from Lake Kivu, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks.

Since the beginning of the year, ongoing clashes between M23 and security forces have displaced over 400,000 people in the region.

While the DRC and the UN have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, Rwanda has denied these allegations.

M23, named after a failed peace agreement signed on March 23, 2009, represents the interests of the Tutsi ethnic minority. The current president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, is also of Tutsi descent.

The UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has reported that at least 12 people were summarily executed by M23 between January 26 and 28, along with multiple cases of conflict-related sexual violence. In South Kivu, reports are being verified of 52 women who were raped by Congolese troops.

M23 rebels have also forcibly displaced people from camps and subjected them to forced labor. In Goma, over 4,000 prisoners escaped after M23 launched an offensive on January 27, and reports indicate that at least 165 women were raped in the aftermath.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed concern that the escalation could increase the risk of sexual violence related to the conflict. He has called for an end to the violence and emphasized the need for all parties to comply with international law.

"It is crucial that the crimes committed are thoroughly investigated, and perpetrators are held accountable," said Türk.

By Tamilla Hasanova