UN Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed serious concerns over escalating violence in eastern DRC due to the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive, with nearly 3,000 killed since January. The humanitarian situation is dire as fighting continues, leading to widespread displacement and severe rights violations. Urgent international action is required to address these issues and provide humanitarian assistance.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk raised alarm over the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) attributed to the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive. He warned that the situation may worsen for the people of eastern DRC and its neighboring regions if no international action is taken. The death toll since January 26 has reached nearly 3,000, with thousands more injured due to the intense fighting, primarily involving the M23 and the Congolese armed forces.
The conflict in the mineral-rich provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu has led to a massive displacement crisis, as armed groups continue to proliferate in the region. The M23, consisting mostly of Tutsi fighters, has taken control of significant areas near Goma and is advancing deeper into eastern DRC, creating an urgent humanitarian situation. A draft resolution at the Human Rights Council condemned Rwanda’s military support and called for immediate humanitarian access.
Recent attacks include the bombing of two hospitals in Goma, resulting in casualties among patients and staff. Additionally, a mass prison break at Muzenze Prison reportedly led to the rape of at least 165 female inmates, most of whom perished in suspicious circumstances. Türk expressed horror over the increase in sexual violence, confirming ongoing investigations into allegations of rape and sexual slavery.
Bintou Keita, UN Special Representative in the DRC, described the situation in Goma as catastrophic, citing dead bodies in the streets and forced recruitment of youth by armed groups. She highlighted the need for urgent humanitarian assistance, reflecting on the health risks stemming from the conflict, including outbreaks of cholera and mpox due to disrupted healthcare services.
The DRC’s Minister of Communications condemned ongoing support for armed groups by Rwanda, linking it to the long-standing conflict fueled by the region’s mineral wealth. In contrast, the Rwandan Ambassador to the UN claimed that a significant threat from DRC exists against Rwanda. Both nations exchanged accusations regarding arms buildup and regional instability.
Emphasizing the necessity of international restraint and intervention, Türk underlined the humanitarian crisis’s deep roots in political and economic exploitation. He called for a collective acknowledgment of responsibility, stating that the suffering of the eastern DRC population is interconnected with global consumption of its resources, particularly minerals used in various products.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has resulted from a complex interplay of regional tensions, armed group activities, and mineral wealth exploitation. The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has been a significant actor within this turmoil, leading to severe human rights violations and a humanitarian crisis. The situation has drawn international attention, prompting discussions at platforms like the UN Human Rights Council to seek resolutions that address these escalating issues.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC has reached alarming proportions, with escalating violence, displacement, and severe human rights abuses. The interplay between regional politics and economic interests in mineral resources contributes to the protracted conflict. International intervention and humanitarian aid are crucial to mitigate the crisis and protect the vulnerable populations affected by the violence.
Original Source: news.un.org
