DR Congo: All sides may be guilty of war crimes - UN probe
Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels committed "horrific" violations that could amount to crimes against humanity, according to the UN.
A UN report published Friday found serious rights violations by the Congolese forces and M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo's decades-long conflict.
"The atrocities described in this report are horrific," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement.
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While multiple human rights groups have reported human rights violations in the conflict, this is the first report prepared by UN bodies that states those abuses may amount to war crimes. In June, a UN expert's report reached the same conclusion.
What does the report say?
A UN fact-finding mission on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo's North and South Kivu provinces said the findings "underscore the gravity and widespread nature of violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict, including acts that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity."
The report found the M23 had committed summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances and child recruitments.
According to the report, the group also used systematic sexual violence, including gang rape, mainly against women, with an intent to "degrade, punish and break the dignity of victims."
The report found that the crimes committed by the M23 group were carried out while it captured major cities “with training, material, intelligence, and operational support from the Rwanda Defence Forces.”
The Congolese armed forces and pro-government militia fighters, such as Wazalendo, have also committed grave violations, including gang rape, killing of civilians, and looting, according to the UN.
The report said both Rwanda and the DRC "bear responsibility for their support to armed groups with known track records of serious abuses, and for failing to meet their obligations to take all measures to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to protect civilians from serious harm."
In February, the UN said both parties had failed to adequately protect civilians.
What is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The fighting between M23 and Congolese forces, which has been ongoing for over three decades, has killed and displaced thousands of civilians.
The M23 first captured the largest city in the Congo, Goma, in January. Since then, they have made more gains in the area.
The rebel group claims to protect the interests of ethnic minorities in the gold and mineral-rich country.
The UN human rights office has blamed Rwanda for backing the M23 rebels. Rwanda has denied any involvement and claims the M23 fighters are acting in self-defence against the Congolese army.
In July, Qatar stepped in to mediate between Congo and M23, which led them to sign a declaration of principles. They agreed to negotiate a peace deal in August. However, both parties missed the deadline.
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