GCAP Statement condemning human rights violations and killings of civilians in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing a terrible crisis with arbitrary violence against civilians, especially women and girls. This is resulting in food shortages, internal displacement, people’s basic needs not being met, and the proliferation of multiple human rights abuses.

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On February 24, 2025, Reuters reported that James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s former defence minister, was sanctioned for acting as a liaison to the M23 rebellion. M23 backed by Rwanda is perpetrating significant abuses while resulting in  significant territorial gains by the rebels and a severe humanitarian crisis threatening the stability of the region. These developments underscore the critical need for all parties, including Rwanda, to discipline their armed forces, respect international law and prioritize peace and stability in the region.

The lack of action from the international community has worsened the ongoing suffering of millions of Congolese people, men, boys, women, girls and children of all ages. Since January 2025, intensified conflicts, particularly in the eastern regions of the DRC, have resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 7,000 lives and the displacement of around 450,000 individuals. The destruction of nearly 90 camps has left countless individuals without shelter, intensifying their vulnerability.

Children in the DRC are especially vulnerable to unimaginable atrocities. Reliable reports indicate that armed groups, including the M23 rebels, have executed children as young as 15 years for refusing to join their ranks. The United Nations has verified a significant increase in grave violations against children, including killings, abductions, torture and forced recruitment into armed groups.

The conflict has led to a surge in sexual violence, with women and girls suffering the most with routine rapes and beatings. Rape cases have significantly increased, highlighting how widespread sexual violence is in conflict zones. Children as young as twelve have been sexually abused and forced to join armed groups.

Civilians are subjected to acts of unacceptable brutality, resulting in forced displacement, as people flee for fear of murder, rape, and forced recruitment. The destruction of infrastructure and ongoing violence has severely limited access to essential services, leaving communities without adequate food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter. This deprivation exacerbates the  suffering of the population and contributes to the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

GCAP calls for immediate action to halt the cycle of violence and restore hope to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In light of these crimes against humanity, directed at the civilian population, we call on the regional and international community, including the United Nations, African Union, and The Hague, to take decisive and immediate action:

Our Call:

The silence and inaction of the global community in the face of such profound human suffering is unacceptable. As Belgian Parliamentarian Mr. Raoul Hedebouw heartbreakingly questioned: “Is the blood of a Congolese person not worth the blood of a Ukrainian?” This challenges all of us to reflect on our collective responsibility to uphold human dignity and protect at risk and vulnerable populations, irrespective of geographic or political considerations.

1. The United Nations and international partners must urgently coordinate and lead diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to address the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, ensuring comprehensive support for peace and stability.
2. The African Union (AU) should take the lead in facilitating impartial diplomatic mediation between the DRC, M23, and Rwanda, thereby promoting Pan-African solidarity to end internal conflicts and ensure lasting peace and stability.
3. The international community, including the United States, European Union, and African Union, must impose targeted sanctions on Rwanda until it ceases its support for M23, holding it accountable for its role in the crisis.
4. The international community and donor governments must empower local communities for peace and reconciliation by significantly enabling, including through  funding, for local peace initiatives, supporting human rights defenders and local NGOs and human rights institutions,  ensuring accurate documentation of human rights violations to foster accountability.
5. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international judicial bodies must expedite investigations into war crimes and human rights violations in DRC, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and impunity is brought to an end.
6. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations must establish and secure humanitarian corridors to ensure safe and unrestricted access to food, healthcare, and essential services for affected communities, providing urgent relief to those in need.
   

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