Humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has worsened, with reports of serious human rights violations, including summary executions of children and widespread sexual violence.

The UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday confirmed that Rwanda-backed M23 fighters killed three children in Bukavu, South Kivu, which fell to the group on Sunday.

OHCHR spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, stated, “Our office confirmed cases of children being summarily executed by M23 after they entered Bukavu last week. Some children were carrying weapons.”

She urged Rwanda and M23 to ensure the respect of human rights and international humanitarian law in the region.

Ms Shamdasani also condemned attacks on hospitals and humanitarian warehouses, along with threats against the judiciary, linked to the M23’s advance in North and South Kivu.

The crisis has displaced hundreds of thousands of people in eastern DRC, with 10,000 to 15,000 fleeing into Burundi in just a few days, according to UNHCR.

Most of those arriving in Burundi are Congolese, primarily from Bukavu’s outskirts, where the situation is rapidly worsening.

These new refugees join over 91,000 others who arrived in Burundi years ago, according to UNHCR spokesperson Matt Saltmarsh.

“The situation remains extremely volatile, with recent clashes forcing over 150,000 people to flee,” Mr Saltmarsh added. “At least 85,000 people are living in makeshift camps for internally displaced people, where there is a severe lack of basic services such as water and healthcare.”

Eastern DRC, rich in minerals, has faced instability for decades due to armed groups forcing many to seek refuge in camps or neighbouring countries.

Fighting escalated in January as M23 fighters seized parts of North Kivu and advanced towards South Kivu and Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city.

Further troubling developments include the February 14 prison breaks from Kabare and Bukavu central prisons, according to Shamdasani.

“We’ve received protection requests from victims and witnesses, fearing retaliation from escapees involved in trials for serious human rights violations,” she said.

Mr Shamdasani expressed concerns for the safety of lawyers, judicial staff, journalists, and human rights defenders threatened by the ongoing violence.

“Some are trapped in Bukavu and Goma, fearing for their safety due to their work on human rights and denunciations of abuses by Rwanda and M23,” she added.

In response, UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged Rwanda and M23 to protect all individuals in their control.

“He condemns the events in South and North Kivu and their devastating impact on civilians.

“The violence must cease immediately. All parties must adhere to international humanitarian law and resume dialogue within the Luanda and Nairobi processes,” Mr Shamdasani said. 

(NAN)