Statement on Escalating Human Rights Violations in DRC Amid M23 Rebel Atrocities
We are deeply concerned by the escalating human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as documented in Amnesty International’s May 27, 2025, report and Human Rights Watch’s June 3, 2025, report. The M23 rebel group, controlling key areas including Goma and Bukavu, has committed deliberate executions of individuals in their custody, constituting war crimes. Witnesses report horrific conditions, including deaths in overcrowded cells due to torture, starvation, and denial of contact with family. These atrocities, alongside widespread sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, have intensified the suffering of the Congolese people, with over 700,000 displaced in 2025 alone and more than 7 million displaced nationwide.
The humanitarian crisis demands urgent action. The deliberate and systematic nature of these abuses highlights a culture of impunity that perpetuates violence and destabilizes the region. Victims including children face severe barriers to accessing healthcare, psychosocial support, and humanitarian aid, further exacerbating their plight.
As peace talks mediated by Washington, Qatar, the African Union, and the East African Community continue, we urge all parties to prioritize justice and accountability. Perpetrators of these grave violations, including M23 fighters and any enabling actors such as the Rwandan officials and former DRC President Kabila, must face consequences. Victims deserve comprehensive remedies, including medical care, humanitarian assistance, and pathways to justice.
We call on regional and international mediators to ensure peace processes center the Congolese people’s suffering and reject any resolution that sacrifices accountability for political expediency. The cycle of impunity fueling this crisis must be broken. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for solutions that uphold the rights, dignity, and security of the Congolese people.
About:
The DRC Diaspora Desk is a coalition of Congolese organizations, leaders, advocates, and allies committed to collective action to benefit the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a hub for coordinated advocacy, we work to ensure that Congolese voices are heard.
