The humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated sharply, with alarming reports of human rights violations, including summary executions of children and widespread sexual violence.
According to the UN Office for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least three children were killed by the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group after fighters captured the South Kivu capital, Bukavu, on Sunday. OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani confirmed the killings and called on both Rwanda and M23 to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law.
The escalation of violence has also led to attacks on hospitals and humanitarian depots, and members of the judiciary have faced direct threats as M23 advances rapidly in North and South Kivu.