In Geneva, the U.N.’s premier human rights body convened an urgent session on escalating violence in eastern Congo, triggered by advances from Rwanda-backed rebels who recently seized the strategic city of Goma. Since late January, the conflict has claimed an estimated 3,000 lives and left nearly as many injured, igniting global concern and calls for action.
The special session, requested by the Congolese government and supported by various nations, aims to hold both Rwanda and the M23 rebels accountable for potential crimes against humanity. Kinshasa’s government has asked the 47-member council to initiate a fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations in the turmoil-ridden region.
According to U.N. experts, approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda back the M23 rebels, the most formidable among over 100 armed groups afflicting the area. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for disarmament of the rebels, urging them to pursue mediation instead of conflict.
Volker Türk, the U.N. human rights chief, reported the devastating toll, estimating as many as 3,000 deaths and around 2,900 injuries, warning that actual figures could be considerably higher. He lamented the ongoing suffering of the Congolese population and emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to avert further catastrophe.
Facing increasing global scrutiny, M23 attempted to stabilize their control by holding a public rally, assuring the local populace of safety under their rule. Meanwhile, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Congo’s communications minister, pressed the council to hold Rwanda accountable for its alleged war crimes amid forced displacements in their quest to seize territory.
Rwanda’s Ambassador James Ngango defended his nation, stating that remnants of armed factions involved in the 1994 genocide have infiltrated Congo, posing a grave security threat and perpetuating a deadly ideology. Amidst diplomatic tensions, the council anticipated reviewing a draft resolution proposed by Congo, aiming to establish an independent investigation into the troubling human rights landscape in the region.
The U.N. Human Rights Council convened an urgent session addressing violence in eastern Congo due to M23 rebels’ advancements backed by Rwanda. With 3,000 deaths reported since January, Congo has sought accountability for war crimes while emphasizing the need for international intervention. The session will consider a draft proposal for a fact-finding mission to investigate these human rights abuses.
The emergency session of the U.N. Human Rights Council underscores the critical situation in eastern Congo, where rampant violence linked to Rwanda-backed rebels has resulted in significant casualties. There is a strong call for accountability from the Congolese government, while international leaders are urged to intervene to prevent further suffering. The outcome of this session could shape the future of human rights advocacy in the region, as the world watches closely.
Original Source: apnews.com
