The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is rapidly declining, prompting grave human rights violations. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted instances of summary executions, including of children, and disturbing reports of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Hospitals and humanitarian facilities have been targeted, and there is growing intimidation of the judiciary stirring general unrest.
The advance of the Rwanda-supported M23 group into South Kivu has incited widespread humanitarian crises and caused mass displacement of populations. Shamdasani confirmed that children have been executed by the M23 forces in Bukavu and pointed out that some minors have been armed. The Office is actively recording these violations, including cases of forced recruitments and intimidation, calling upon both Rwanda and M23 to respect human rights and humanitarian laws.
After a recent prison break in Kabare and Bukavu, there are serious concerns for the safety of victims and witnesses, with many fearing retaliation by escaping convicts. These individuals had previously contributed to trials against prisoners accused of significant human rights abuses. The UN Human Rights Office is also on alert regarding the safety of lawyers and judicial personnel working in these tense regions.
Further alarming developments include reports of forced displacements and arbitrary detentions, particularly of young Congolese men attempting to flee violence from bordering countries. Journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society members are experiencing threats, with many being forced to evacuate the area due to their advocacy against the violations perpetrated by the M23 and Rwanda.
In a call for immediate action, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has urged both Rwanda and M23 to safeguard all individuals within their territories. He expressed his profound dismay at the escalating violence in South and North Kivu, highlighting that these relentless hostilities must cease without delay.
The DRC is experiencing severe human rights abuses, with reports of summary executions, attacks on hospitals, and escalating violence linked to the M23 conflict. Children are among the victims, some armed and involved in the violence, while the safety of witnesses is threatened post-prison break. UN officials are calling for urgent action to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian laws in the region.
The humanitarian and human rights landscape in eastern DRC is critically at stake, with rampant violence and widespread abuses reported. The international community must respond to these urgent calls for intervention and protection to stem the deterioration of conditions affecting countless civilians. Ensuring respect for human rights and international law in this conflict-ridden area is essential to restore peace and safety to the region.
Original Source: media.un.org
