UN Human Rights Chief Calls for Urgent Measures to Avert Further Conflict in Congo
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Synopsis
On February 7, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk raised alarms about the escalating violence in eastern DRC, advocating for immediate interventions to prevent further deterioration of the situation, which poses risks to both local and regional stability.
Key Takeaways
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warns of escalating violence in eastern DRC.
- Failure to act could lead to severe consequences for the region.
- All parties urged to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue.
- UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasizes humanitarian crisis.
- M23 rebels claim control over Goma amidst ongoing conflict.
Geneva, Feb 7 (NationPress) The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed grave concern on Friday regarding the intensifying violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He emphasized that without intervention, the situation is likely to worsen.
"I am profoundly troubled to witness the resurgence of violence," Turk stated during a special session of the UN Human Rights Council.
He warned that if the ongoing circumstances remain unchecked, "the worst may be yet to come," impacting not just the communities in eastern DRC but also the broader region.
"The threat of escalating violence across the sub-region has never been more pronounced," Turk urged, calling on all influential parties, including both state and non-state entities, to amplify their efforts in preventing further conflict and to back peace initiatives.
He appealed to all factions to lay down arms and engage in dialogue, underlining the necessity of adhering to international human rights and humanitarian laws, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for increased efforts to resolve the crisis in eastern DRC.
At a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres characterized the situation in DRC as "deeply concerning."
Violence between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group and Congolese armed forces escalated in January. The rebels asserted they had seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, a crucial regional center, before advancing south towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.
The conflict in the eastern region "is inflicting a tremendous human cost," leading to thousands of fatalities and displacing hundreds of thousands within the country, he noted.
The humanitarian crisis surrounding Goma is dire, according to Guterres. "Simultaneously, the conflict persists in South Kivu, threatening to engulf the entire region."
"My message is unequivocal: Silence the weapons. Halt the escalation. Honor the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uphold international human rights and humanitarian law," Guterres declared.
Stressing that there is no military resolution to the crisis, the UN chief asserted, "It is time for mediation. It is time to conclude this crisis. It is time for peace."
He urged all stakeholders, including neighboring nations, subregional organizations, the African Union, and the United Nations, to actively contribute towards ending the conflict.
Guterres made this appeal for peace ahead of the upcoming African Union summit focused on the DRC situation in Addis Ababa, which he is expected to attend next week.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 900 individuals have lost their lives, with nearly 3,000 sustaining injuries.
Thousands have been displaced, many seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda, including staff from international organizations such as the UN and World Bank.
The M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire following battles with the Congolese military for the control of Goma.
