The UN Human Rights Council has launched a commission of inquiry into atrocities in eastern DRC, following intense fighting in North and South Kivu. This initiative aims to document human rights violations, hold perpetrators accountable, and support victims. Reports indicate severe abuses, including sexual violence and looting, particularly by the M23 group. Urgent protective measures for civilians and humanitarian aid access are essential moving forward.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has unanimously decided to initiate a fact-finding mission and commission of inquiry into the reported atrocities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This resolution was made during a special session called by Congo, supported by 48 countries from various regions.
Armed conflict has escalated in North and South Kivu provinces, with the Rwanda-backed M23 group taking control of Goma. Reports from human rights organizations, the UN, and media outlets indicate violations such as summary executions, sexual violence, looting, and forced labor.
The commission will investigate violations of international humanitarian law, gather evidence of international crimes, and identify those responsible for these abuses. This initiative, prompted by 79 rights groups, reflects a growing international commitment to address the longstanding impunity in eastern Congo.
The creation of this commission is viewed as a significant step towards ensuring accountability for serious human rights violations and supporting the victims’ rights to justice and reparations. Documentation of abuses in M23-controlled areas remains difficult due to the group’s hostility towards activists and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
It is imperative for concerned governments to complement this initiative with urgent actions that protect civilians, especially displaced individuals and survivors of sexual violence. Additionally, they should press for unobstructed humanitarian access to Goma and call on all parties to cease their attacks on civilians.
The United Nations Human Rights Council’s decision to launch an inquiry into the ongoing atrocities in eastern DRC underscores the urgent need for accountability in the region. This new commission aims to thoroughly investigate abuses and provide support for victims, marking a crucial step in combating impunity. Ensuring the safety of civilians and facilitating humanitarian access remains vital in addressing the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
