The UN human rights chief has accused the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern DRC of killing children and committing serious human rights violations. Following their recent capture of Bukavu, the M23 is reported to have executed children and used them as combatants. The ongoing conflict has led to significant human displacement and casualties, prompting international attention and investigation into these atrocities.
The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, has publicly condemned the actions of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting their alleged involvement in the killing and recruitment of children. In a statement released on Tuesday, Türk confirmed reports of child executions following the M23’s takeover of Bukavu, a major city in the region, stating, “We are also aware that children were in possession of weapons.”
While Türk did not provide specific instances, there are established claims against both the Congolese government forces and the M23 rebels regarding child conscription. Earlier this month, the United Nations Human Rights Council initiated a commission to investigate numerous atrocities, including allegations of sexual violence and killings classified as “summary executions,” that have been reported since January.
The M23 seized Bukavu, a city with approximately 1.3 million inhabitants, on Sunday, following their previous capture of Goma. This escalation in conflict has reportedly led to at least 3,000 fatalities and massive displacement of the local population.
M23 is among more than 100 armed groups vying for control over the rich mineral resources of eastern DRC, a region critical for global technology supply chains. İt is reported that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are backing the M23 rebels in their campaign.
In response to the cross-border tensions, Rwanda accuses the DRC of recruiting Hutu fighters implicated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The M23 claims to defend Tutsi minorities and Rwandan-origin Congolese against discrimination, although critics argue this is merely a guise for Rwandan intervention.
Unlike in 2012 when they briefly occupied Goma and retreated under international pressure, analysts suggest that the M23 rebels now aspire to gain political power. The ongoing violence in the region has led to the displacement of over six million individuals, resulting in one of the largest humanitarian crises globally.
On a related note, a Ugandan military official announced that Ugandan forces have entered the eastern Congolese city of Bunia to support the Congolese army in addressing violent unrest caused by armed ethnic groups.
The situation in eastern DRC remains dire as the UN human rights chief raises alarming concerns regarding the conduct of M23 rebels, particularly their alleged crimes against children. Heightened violence and political aspirations of the rebels complicate the humanitarian crisis further exacerbated by massive displacements. A thorough investigation into the reported atrocities is crucial to address these severe human rights violations.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
