Democratic UN: M23 rebels shoot minors
According to the UN Human Rights Office, M23 rebels have shot minors during their advance in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The office has verified corresponding videos, according to a spokeswoman in Geneva.
18.02.2025, 15:31
SDA
Three boys, presumably aged between eleven and 15, can be seen with weapons in the city of Bukavu. M23 rebels had asked them to lay down their weapons when they entered the town. When the boys refused, they were shot dead.
Unusual for the UN: perpetrators named
It is rare for the UN Human Rights Office to attribute crimes so clearly to one of the actors in a conflict. The office called on the M23 rebels and neighboring Rwanda, which supports the rebels, to ensure that human rights are respected.
The UN Human Rights Office warned: "The risk of the situation worsening and spilling over into an even deeper and wider conflict is frighteningly real, and this would have even more devastating consequences for the civilian population," it said.
Since the end of January, the rebels have advanced into the megacity of Goma and the capital of South Kivu province after heavy fighting against the Congolese army. According to unconfirmed reports, they are being supported by Rwandan troops.
Fear and terror
According to reports, 900 bodies have been recovered in Goma alone. The UN Human Rights Office has documented serious violence, including rape. Adults and minors are being forced to join the rebels. There have been targeted attacks on hospitals and humanitarian aid workers.
Convicted human rights violators have broken out of prisons in Kabare and Bukavu, causing fear among witnesses who once testified against them, said a spokeswoman for the office. There is concern for the safety of judicial staff and lawyers. Journalists and activists who have reported violence by the M23 rebels also fear for their lives.
