Human Rights Watch criticized the EU for its inaction towards Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels, which has aggravated atrocities in eastern DR Congo. The European Parliament’s resolution to suspend budget aid and mineral agreements is non-binding and unenforced. HRW warns that without effective measures, violence and humanitarian crises will continue, urging the EU to ensure aid is contingent on stopping support for armed groups.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has critiqued the European Union’s (EU) lack of decisive action regarding Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels, which has intensified human rights abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In February 2025, the European Parliament proposed a resolution advocating for a freeze on direct budget support to Rwanda and the suspension of agreements related to Rwandan minerals. This resolution, however, is non-binding and has not been enacted by the European Commission.
HRW underscored that the EU’s failure to act has hampered accountability efforts and worsened the humanitarian crisis in the DRC. With alleged backing from Rwanda, the M23 rebels have captured significant urban areas such as Bukavu and Goma, resulting in mass displacement and egregious human rights violations, including child executions and sexual violence against women.
Although the EU has voiced serious concerns regarding the situation, condemning the M23’s advances and Rwanda’s military involvement as violations of international law, it has yet to impose meaningful sanctions or suspend financial aid to compel Rwanda towards compliance. HRW expressed that without concrete actions, the cycle of violence and impunity in eastern DRC is likely to persist, jeopardizing civilian lives and regional stability.
HRW urged the EU to align its rhetoric with substantial actions by enforcing the recommendations from the European Parliament and linking aid to Rwanda’s cessation of support for armed groups in the DRC. The organization also called upon the international community to prioritize human rights protection and establish accountability mechanisms to confront the ongoing crisis.
In summary, Human Rights Watch has criticized the European Union for its inadequate response to Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels, which has resulted in severe humanitarian issues in eastern DRC. While the EU has shown concern, HRW cautions that without tangible action and accountability measures, the situation is unlikely to improve. The call for aligning support with responsible actions emphasizes the need for a robust international response to uphold human rights.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
