UN peacekeepers patrol in Goma. Crisis in DRC: Scale of conflict rapidly growing Peace and security
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is deeply concerned that hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes in the city of Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), over the past few days as a result of intense fighting and escalating violence. IOM has called on the international community to recognize the staggering scale of the crisis and to support those displaced.
“Millions of people were already displaced by years of conflict in eastern DRC, and the humanitarian needs were already enormous,” said Amy Pope, IOM Director-General. “An already dire situation is now rapidly deteriorating. IOM joins the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate end to hostilities and full humanitarian access so that we can ensure that life-saving assistance can be delivered quickly to those in need.”
Escalation of hostilities
Intense clashes between the M23 armed group and government forces broke out in Goma and several other locations on 23 January, according to reports from the DRC. The fighting took place near densely populated camps housing tens of thousands of internally displaced persons, including women and children. IOM is supporting displaced persons and host communities in Goma and surrounding areas by providing temporary shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene.
Since the beginning of the crisis, at least two sites housing internally displaced persons have been hit by bombs, causing civilian casualties, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Friday.
Extrajudicial killings and rape
OHCHR documented the summary execution of at least 12 people by M23 between 26 and 28 January, as well as multiple cases of conflict-related sexual violence. “We are verifying reports that 52 women were raped by Congolese troops in South Kivu,” the Office said in a statement.
In other areas of South Kivu under M23 control, such as Minova, rebels have occupied several schools and hospitals, forced displaced people out of camps, and subjected civilians to forced conscription and labour.
DRC officials say at least 165 women have been raped since the escape of more than 4,000 prisoners from a prison in Goma on 27 January, as M23 launched an offensive on the city. According to the latest reports, M23 is advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is concerned that the current escalation could further exacerbate the risk of sexual violence in the context of the conflict. Türk called for an end to the violence and for all parties to comply with their obligations under international law.
“It is imperative that the crimes committed be investigated in order to hold those responsible to account and ensure comprehensive accountability,” the High Commissioner said.