
The UN human rights chief on Tuesday sounded the alarm over a dire humanitarian crisis in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The city, now under the control of M23 rebels, is witnessing escalating violence and suffering, with civilians facing grave risks.
Volker Turk, the UN rights chief, warned that civilians in Goma are enduring “gross human rights violations and serious breaches of international humanitarian law.”
M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, captured Goma on Monday after fierce battles with Congolese government forces.
Hospitals are overwhelmed by casualties, and urban combat has intensified, exposing civilians to explosive weapons in crowded areas.
Turk cautioned that violence spreading to other towns in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces would deepen the human rights crisis.
He expressed fears of a worsening law-and-order situation after over 4,700 prisoners escaped from Muzenze prison, Goma’s largest.
The rights chief also highlighted mounting risks to journalists, activists, and civil society, urging immediate protection for these vulnerable groups.
Turk emphasized the monitoring of all parties to the conflict, warning that perpetrators of violations would face accountability.
M23, one of hundreds of armed groups in eastern DRC, claims to fight for the rights of the region’s minority Tutsi population.
With civilians bearing the brunt of displacement, violence, and insecurity, Turk called for urgent international action to halt the crisis.