Human Rights Watch criticized the EU for its inadequate response to Rwanda’s support of M23 rebels in the DRC, resulting in ongoing atrocities. Despite a resolution from the European Parliament calling for action, the EU has not enforced any measures. HRW emphasized the need for the EU to take concrete actions to prevent further violence and protect human rights in the region.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized the European Union (EU) for its insufficient response to Rwanda’s involvement with the M23 rebels, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In February 2025, the European Parliament passed a resolution advocating for the suspension of direct budget support to Rwanda until it halts its backing of the Tutsi-led M23 rebels and allows humanitarian access in the DRC. Although this resolution encouraged suspending agreements regarding Rwandan strategic minerals, it remains non-binding, resulting in a lack of enforcement by the European Commission.
HRW highlighted that the EU’s lack of decisive action undermines accountability efforts and neglects the escalating humanitarian situation in the region. The M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, have gained control over significant eastern DRC cities like Bukavu and Goma, causing mass displacements and grave human rights violations, including reports of child executions and the rape of women in front of their families.
While the EU has expressed concern and condemned the M23’s actions alongside Rwanda’s military presence, its responses have been largely rhetorical. In a statement from January 2025, the EU denounced the situation as a violation of international law and the sovereignty of the DRC, calling for an end to hostilities and urging Rwanda to withdraw support for the M23.
Despite these condemnations, HRW criticized the EU for its failure to implement concrete measures, such as the suspension of financial aid or sanctions against Rwanda. The organization cautioned that without significant actions, the cycle of violence and impunity in eastern DRC is likely to persist, endangering civilian lives and overall regional stability.
HRW calls upon the EU to align its verbal commitments with actionable steps by enforcing the European Parliament’s recommendations. Furthermore, they urge the international community to prioritize human rights protection and enforce accountability mechanisms that address the ongoing crisis.
In summary, Human Rights Watch has urged the European Union to take significant action in response to Rwanda’s involvement with M23 rebels, which has led to widespread atrocities in eastern DRC. While the EU has made verbal commitments to address the humanitarian crisis, these have not translated into effective measures. HRW emphasizes the necessity of aligning rhetoric with meaningful actions to protect human rights and restore regional stability.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
