Independent UN human rights experts have condemned what they described as a “reign of terror” by the M23 armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, accusing the Rwanda-backed rebels of widespread sexual violence and serious human rights abuses against civilians.
The experts said reports indicate that women and girls are being subjected to rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage and other forms of sexual torture in areas under M23 control.
“The scale and brutality of sexual violence committed against women and girls is outrageous,” the experts said, urging the international community to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
They called for immediate protection of civilians and unrestricted humanitarian access to affected communities, warning that impunity continues to fuel the violence.
