Global Courant 2023-04-14 16:33:25
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It is critical that Congolese and UN authorities urgently investigate reports of atrocities committed by members of the March 23 Movement (M23), following reports that the armed group has withdrawn from several parts of North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including the cities of Kishishe, Bambo and Bugina, Amnesty International said today.
“Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations should immediately send investigators to the areas cleared by M23 to thoroughly investigate credible allegations of mass rape and summary killings, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice . This should include everyone in the chain of command and all states that may have supported M23,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International Secretary General.
In February, Amnesty International issued an extensive press release in which witnesses from these cities described how M23 fighters, who according to UN reports are supported by neighboring Rwanda, committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. Survivors of rape and others who have been assaulted should still receive adequate help.
Agnès Callamard said: “The DRC authorities and humanitarian organizations must urgently intervene and provide medical and other assistance to the survivors of rape and other victims of violations and crimes who have been without help for months. The DRC authorities must ensure that civilians in the area are protected.”
“While M23 rebels may have withdrawn from some areas in North Kivu province, civilians living in the Beni area and neighboring Ituri province continue to be killed by members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and other armed groups. groups. The DRC authorities must take urgent measures to stop the killing of civilians in these areas.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.
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