UN Reports Possible War Crimes in North, South Kivu Congo

A recent UN Human Rights Office report reveals that all parties involved in the conflict in North and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group and the Congolese Armed Forces, have committed serious violations of international humanitarian law that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The M23, with support from the Rwanda Defence Forces, captured major cities and engaged in widespread abuses, including summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances, forced recruitment, and systematic sexual violence targeting women, girls, men, boys, and LGBT individuals. The report highlights the failure of all sides to protect civilians, especially during the takeover of Goma and attacks on schools and hospitals. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called the atrocities horrific and emphasized the need for accountability. Rwanda denies backing M23, while the group has denied committing atrocities, but credible allegations of RDF personnel involvement exist. These findings mark the first UN report to suggest that such abuses in the Congo conflict may constitute crimes against humanity, amid a humanitarian crisis with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.