Tue Feb 18 13:23:15 UTC 2025: ## UN Confirms M23 Rebels Killing and Recruiting Children in Eastern DRC
**Kinshasa, DRC** – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has confirmed that Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have killed and recruited children. Following the rebels’ recent capture of Bukavu, the second major city to fall under their control, Turk’s office has documented cases of summary executions of children and reports that children were found in possession of weapons.
The statement, released Tuesday, comes amidst escalating violence in the region. The M23, one of over 100 armed groups vying for control of the mineral-rich eastern DRC, seized Bukavu on Sunday after capturing Goma last month. These actions have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 6 million people.
Turk’s office also reported incidents of arbitrary arrests and detentions, mistreatment, and alleged forced returns of Congolese men fleeing violence in neighboring countries. The UN Human Rights Council recently launched a commission to investigate atrocities committed by both government forces and rebel groups since the beginning of the year.
While the M23 claims to be fighting for the rights of Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin, UN experts assert that the group is supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops. Analysts suggest that unlike previous incursions, the M23’s current campaign aims for political power, raising serious concerns about the future stability of the region. The ongoing conflict continues to fuel one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
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