The UN human rights chief warns that escalating violence from the M23 offensive in eastern DRC is resulting in grave human rights violations and could worsen without international intervention. Nearly 3,000 fatalities and significant humanitarian crises have been reported since January. The DRC government condemns foreign military support for armed groups, while calls for humanitarian assistance and action against human rights abuses intensify as local populations continue to suffer.
The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to the Rwanda-supported M23 offensive. He emphasized that without international intervention, the situation could deteriorate further, affecting not only the DRC but also surrounding regions. Since late January, approximately 3,000 fatalities and nearly 2,880 injuries have resulted from M23 attacks, prompting discussions among UN Member States about establishing a fact-finding mission to investigate the severe human rights violations occurring in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Hostilities in this mineral-rich area have persisted for decades, leading to the displacement of large numbers of individuals. The escalation in conflict accelerated when M23, primarily composed of Tutsi fighters, captured significant territory in North Kivu, including regions near Goma. A draft resolution during the Human Rights Council special session condemned Rwanda for its military support to M23 and called for an immediate halt to their advance alongside unhindered humanitarian access.
Volker Türk noted severe incidents, such as the bombing of hospitals in Goma, which resulted in numerous casualties, including women and children. He underscored the alarming trend of sexual violence amidst the conflict, indicating possible exacerbation due to current conditions. Reports of gang rapes and sexual slavery are being verified by UN personnel amid the unrest.
Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC, highlighted the catastrophic status of Goma under M23 control and the urgent humanitarian situation. She reported forced recruitments among youths and increasing threats to human rights defenders and journalists. Furthermore, she raised alarms about health risks, such as potential cholera outbreaks and education disruptions for children caught in the violence.
In an official response, DRC’s Minister of Communications, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, condemned external military support for armed groups in DRC, attributing the ongoing violence to Rwanda’s support for M23, which he argued was rooted in the exploitation of the country’s lucrative minerals. Conversely, Rwanda’s UN Ambassador, James Ngango, claimed an imminent threat from DRC’s coalition forces poised at the border, accusing them of stockpiling weaponry aimed at Rwanda.
Mr. Türk implored the international community to recognize the shared responsibility in light of the eastern DRC’s plight, asserting that global demand for resources linked to the conflict implicates wider society. He remarked that the hardships faced by the population represent a dire humanitarian crisis that necessitates immediate global attention and action.
The ongoing violence in eastern DRC, particularly linked to the M23 armed group and its backing from Rwanda, has escalated dramatically, prompting concerns from international bodies including the United Nations. Since late January, armed conflicts have led to extensive casualties and displacements, raising urgent calls for investigations into human rights abuses. The crisis in this region is compounded by a long history of instability fueled by multiple armed factions, with significant implications for civilians caught in the crossfire. The DRC is rich in minerals that are critically important to global industries, which significantly influences the geopolitical dynamics of the region. Continued hostilities not only threaten local populations but can also have repercussions beyond the borders of the DRC, underscoring the interconnectedness of economic interests and humanitarian crises. The situation requires attention from the international community to address both immediate needs and underlying issues.
The unfolding crisis in eastern DRC highlights a dire humanitarian emergency exacerbated by international political dynamics and resource exploitation. UN officials have drawn attention to the urgent need for international intervention to alleviate the suffering of the local population and prevent further escalation of violence. The interconnected nature of global demand for minerals from the region situates this crisis within a broader context requiring coordinated international response and lasting solutions to ensure peace and stability in the DRC and surrounding areas.
Original Source: news.un.org
