Human Rights organizations are urging the UN Human Rights Council to establish an independent mandate to investigate human rights abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This call comes amid escalating violence from the M23 armed group and the Congolese military, resulting in civilian deaths and humanitarian crises. Accountability for all parties is essential to break the cycle of violence and impunity.
The United Nations Human Rights Council is urged to establish an independent mandate tasked with investigating human rights abuses by all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This call was made during an emergency session scheduled for February 7, 2025, and has been supported by over 77 human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, emphasizing the need for impartial accountability.
The conflict’s backdrop involves the M23 armed group and the Congolese military, with additional support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and a coalition of militias. The brutal fighting has led to troubling human rights violations, including unlawful killings, sexual violence, forced labor, and displacement of civilians.
Stewart Muhindo Kalyamughuma from Lutte Pour le Changement stated, “The current security and humanitarian crisis is a consequence of the impunity for Congolese and foreign groups responsible for serious crimes in Congo since the 1990s.” He stressed the necessity of documenting the ongoing human rights violations to hold accountable those responsible.
The request for the Human Rights Council’s emergency session was submitted by the Congo ambassador on behalf of 48 countries. Recent clashes have resulted in close to 3,000 reported deaths in Goma, contributing to extensive humanitarian disruptions and food shortages for the local population.
Human Rights Watch highlighted the accountability issues, pointing out that existing mechanisms inadequately address the multitude and severity of the cases. An independent investigative body is essential to collecting evidence, identifying wrongdoers, and recommending preventive measures for future violations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced persistent violence and systemic abuses, particularly in the eastern region, attributed to various armed groups and political turmoil. Despite repeated international engagements, impunity persists for numerous actors involved, feeding into a cycle of violence and human rights violations. As conflicts escalate, a concerted effort is necessary to document these crimes and provide justice for victims, thus ensuring respect for international law. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo has resulted in severe repercussions for civilians, who bear the brunt of the violence. Displacement, arbitrary killings, and sexual violence against vulnerable populations are rampant. The desperation for accountability is mounting, compelling the international community to respond decisively to these violations. The reports from the United Nations affirm the growing humanitarian and security crises, underscoring the urgent need for a dedicated investigative mechanism. Calls from regional actors highlight the responsibility of the international community to adhere to humanitarian law and protect affected populations. Addressing these concerns through the United Nations Human Rights Council is critical for the legitimacy of international efforts in conflict resolution.
The ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo necessitates urgent and decisive action from the UN Human Rights Council to address widespread human rights abuses. The establishment of an independent investigative body is crucial to ensure that all violations, regardless of the perpetrators’ affiliations, are documented and that justice is pursued for affected individuals. The time for action is critical to end the cycle of impunity and promote respect for human rights in the region.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
