UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following the city’s capture by M23 rebels.
Turk expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians, warning of “gross human rights violations and abuses and serious violations of international humanitarian law.” He highlighted the risks posed to civilians by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and the potential for further human rights abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence.
The escape of thousands of prisoners from Goma’s main prison further complicates the situation, raising serious security concerns.
Turk stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring the protection of civilians, including human rights defenders, journalists, and other civil society actors.
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has been fighting Congolese forces for years, exacerbating an already complex humanitarian crisis in the region.