In a resolute denunciation this Wednesday, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk voiced strong condemnation against the escalation of violence by the M23 rebel group in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These attacks, which starkly contravene recent ceasefire agreements, have resulted in significant civilian casualties and suffering.

Turk emphasized the critical need for all parties involved to adhere to the peace process and hold those responsible for acts of violence accountable. He urged an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and stressed compliance with international laws. Highlighting the broader peace efforts, Turk called on signatories and facilitators of the Doha and Washington agreements to actively promote and implement measures that ensure civilian safety and progress. "I urge the signatories and facilitators of both the Doha and Washington agreements to ensure that they quickly translate into safety, security, and real progress for civilians in the DRC, who continue to endure the devastating consequences of these conflicts," he stated.

The UN Human Rights Office reported a distressing surge in civilian deaths, with July marking the highest toll since M23's resurgence in 2022. The group's assaults led to the tragic loss of 319 lives, mostly local farmers, including vulnerable women and children. Other militias, such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO), have also been implicated in severe atrocities, including killings, property destruction, and sexual violence.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the DRC government and M23 leaders reached a preliminary agreement on July 19, aiming to forge a conclusive peace deal by August 18. This agreement is expected to align with a US-brokered peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda, crafted to halt the conflict and foster improved bilateral relations, thereby paving the way for regional stability.

The Geneva Conventions, which outlaw violence against civilians and other non-combatants during conflicts, underpin these international efforts. Past condemnations by the UN have highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict in eastern DRC, including attacks on healthcare facilities, abductions, sexual crimes, and the forcible recruitment of children into military activities. A report by Amnesty International in May further accused M23 of committing potential war crimes, including human rights abuses in detention facilities they control.

As international and local bodies strive to restore peace and protect human rights in the DRC, the world watches, hoping for a swift and humane resolution to a conflict that has brought immense hardship to countless civilians.