Mr. President, since the M23 armed group’s resurgence in late 2021, a humanitarian crisis has unfolded in eastern DR Congo, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee. Over half a million have sought refuge near Goma, where many camps lie in ruins due to ongoing conflict. The brutality and scale of human rights abuses from all competing factions are both shocking and intolerable.
Reports from the UN cite nearly 3,000 fatalities in Goma within mere days, raising alarms about widespread civilian injuries, summary executions, and rampant sexual violence. Humanitarian workers are increasingly endangered, as local armies collude with armed groups, worsening the plight of vulnerable populations seeking safety and aid.
We stand in solidarity with Congolese civil society demanding rigorous, impartial documentation of these atrocities, aiming to break the longstanding cycles of violence and impunity in the region. The crisis in DR Congo is dire, necessitating comprehensive responses from international human rights systems.
It is imperative for Rwandan and Congolese authorities to restore humanitarian aid access without targeting assistance efforts. The M23 must respect the rights of displaced populations, halting all forced displacements.
Alongside 78 other organizations, we urge Council members to advocate for an independent investigative mission. This initiative is crucial for combating impunity and ensuring victims receive the justice and reparations they deserve, reinforcing our call for the Council to act swiftly and decisively in this mandate’s establishment.
The resurgence of the M23 armed group in DR Congo has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing over half a million people and leading to widespread human rights violations, including thousands of deaths and sexual violence. Civil society is calling for accountability and the establishment of an independent investigative mission to combat impunity. Urgent international support is needed to restore humanitarian aid and protect civilians from further violence.
In conclusion, the situation in eastern DR Congo demands urgent attention from global leaders and human rights advocates. The consequences of the M23 resurgence are catastrophic, with extensive human suffering and violations of rights. Establishing an independent investigative effort is essential to hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice to victims, paving the way towards healing and restoration in the region.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
