Human Rights Watch has published a report condemning civilian atrocities in the DRC involving Rwandan military and M23 rebels. The report highlights severe violence against locals and displaced persons, including indiscriminate attacks and sexual violence. HRW calls for investigations and prosecutions of war crimes, urging for stronger protections for civilians and humanitarian support.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published a damning report revealing a series of civilian atrocities occurring in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amidst military clashes involving Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group. This situation is particularly dire for local inhabitants and over half a million internally displaced persons facing escalating violence and humanitarian crises as fighting intensifies near the town of Sake. The M23 is a Tutsi-led armed group purportedly receiving support from Rwanda, which has seen a resurgence in violence since its reactivation in 2021. Accusations against M23 include heinous crimes against civilians such as indiscriminate assaults, sexual violence, and the forced recruitment of child soldiers. This crisis is compounded by Rwanda’s alleged backing of the militia, despite ongoing international entreaties for a cessation of hostilities. North Kivu is at the center of this turmoil, with displacement camps adjacent to Goma emerging as critical hotspots for violence. Particularly grave conditions have been reported at the Shabindu-Kashaka displacement site, which was recently targeted by rocket strikes from Rwandan military and M23 forces. These attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and significant destruction of shelters, such as the April incident that left one young adult dead and May strikes that claimed at least 17 lives, including children. Human Rights Watch has shed light on the increase in sexual violence, noting that uniformed perpetrators are reportedly involved in many of these assaults, with survivor accounts indicating a shocking prevalence of such crimes. HRW’s documentation of unlawful detentions by Wazalendo fighters, along with extortion practices, emphasizes the acute humanitarian distress within the Kanyaruchinya camp. Survivors have described harrowing experiences of violence and abuse. The report indicates alarming statistics, with certain camps reporting 50 to 100 cases of sexual violence weekly, highlighting an urgent need for protective interventions. Acts of violence against civilians, including sexual assault, are classified as war crimes under international law. The findings detailed in HRW’s report may represent violations of international humanitarian law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention, which aims to protect civilians in armed conflicts. Unlawful detention and extortion may also constitute war crimes as per the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. HRW has issued a call to both Congolese and Rwandan authorities for a rigorous investigation and prosecution of these war crimes, particularly those pertaining to sexual violence. This includes a demand for comprehensive support for at-risk civilians, encompassing legal, social, and medical aid for sexual violence survivors. Moreover, to enhance civilian safety against the effects of explosive weaponry, HRW has urged the endorsement of the 2022 Political Declaration aimed at strengthening the protection of civilians in populated areas. Lastly, HRW has stressed the importance of close monitoring by the UN, EU, and other international entities regarding military assistance to both parties to ensure compliance with human rights standards and prevention of exacerbated abuses.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC has been a source of humanitarian crises for many years, significantly affecting the civilian population amid violent clashes between armed factions. The M23 rebel group, which has been implicated in various atrocities, claims to represent the Tutsi minority, receiving support alleged to be from Rwanda. The region, particularly North Kivu, has witnessed increased violence and displacement since the group’s resurgence in 2021, prompting urgent calls for international intervention and support for vulnerable populations suffering from human rights violations.
In conclusion, Human Rights Watch’s report highlights severe violations of human rights and international humanitarian law amidst the armed conflict in the DRC, particularly involving the M23 rebel group and Rwandan military forces. The documented atrocities against civilians, particularly women and children, call for immediate intervention by both Congolese and Rwandan authorities, alongside comprehensive humanitarian assistance. Continuous international oversight is essential to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further violations in the region.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
