The U.N. Human Rights Council condemned Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebels in eastern Congo, which has led to significant civilian casualties. A resolution was adopted to investigate the violations, including accusations against Rwanda for war crimes. The situation has worsened, with thousands killed and injured as the council calls for immediate action to protect human rights and facilitate humanitarian aid.
The United Nations’ Human Rights Council has publicly condemned Rwanda’s support for rebel factions in eastern Congo, particularly the M23 rebels, during an urgent session focused on rising violence in the region. This decision follows a request from Congo and was reached by consensus without a formal vote. The escalation of conflict has resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths and countless injuries since late January, with the M23 rebels recently seizing control of the strategic city of Goma.
The resolution strongly denounces the Rwandan defense forces’ military and logistic support to the M23, highlighting the significant impact on civilian casualties and the exacerbation of trauma among the affected populace. The Council has mandated an immediate cessation of human rights violations by both the M23 and Rwandan forces while ensuring access for humanitarian aid through Goma’s airport.
To investigate the rights violations further, the Council established an independent commission of inquiry consisting of three international law experts. U.N. estimates indicate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support the M23 rebels, who are among over 100 armed groups operating in the area. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the rebels to disarm and participate in mediation efforts.
Volker Türk, the U.N. human rights chief, reported that the violence has intensified since January 26, warning that the actual death toll may be significantly higher than reported. He expressed concerns that, without prompt action, catastrophe could follow for both the residents of eastern Congo and those in neighboring regions. Türk called for global intervention to prevent further suffering, citing the long-standing plight of the Congolese people.
In a bid to gain public support amidst international scrutiny, the M23 rebels recently organized a rally promising safety under their rule. Meanwhile, Congo’s communications minister, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, urged the Council to hold Rwanda accountable for alleged war crimes related to forced displacements and territorial ambitions. Rwanda’s ambassador to the U.N., James Ngango, responded by alleging that armed groups linked to the 1994 genocide pose a threat to Rwanda’s security from their refuge in Congo, perpetuating their “genocidal ideology.”
The U.N. Human Rights Council’s resolution marks a significant step in addressing the violations occurring in eastern Congo due to Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebels. The establishment of an independent commission of inquiry aims to shed light on human rights abuses while the call for immediate cessation of violence emphasizes the dire need for humanitarian intervention. Ongoing international dialogue is crucial to fostering a resolution and safeguarding the lives of civilians affected by this protracted conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
