Friday, February 7, 2025
UN Human Rights Chief Warns of worsening Crisis in Eastern DR Congo
A M23 rebel in Goma town Eastern DRC and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk
On February 7, 2025, during a special session of the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, raised concerns about the worsening situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking from Geneva, Türk warned that the situation could deteriorate further, not just for the people in eastern DRC but also for neighboring countries. He pointed to the deadly attacks by the armed group M23, which is reportedly supported by Rwandan military forces. These attacks have been causing fear and destruction in North and South Kivu since the start of the year.
"Since early this year, the M23 armed group, backed by Rwandan forces, has intensified its attacks in North and South Kivu. Right now, tensions are rising in South Kivu. If nothing is done, things may get even worse," Türk stated.
Having followed this crisis for years, Türk expressed deep concern over the increasing violence. He condemned recent attacks on hospitals, where women and children lost their lives, as well as widespread sexual violence during the prison break at Munzenze.
"During my visit to the country last April, I met victims of this brutal conflict. Some of them were women who had suffered sexual violence. My office has been raising alarms about this crisis for a long time," he emphasized.
Türk urged the international community to take action, reminding everyone that global connections, even through the technology we use, make this a shared responsibility.
With the situation becoming more urgent and the risk of regional conflict increasing, the UN Human Rights Chief called for a swift and coordinated international response to stop these human rights abuses and protect civilians in eastern DRC.
