Media Wire Express Correspondent
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has expressed grave concern over the worsening human rights situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This echoes similar concerns raised by the United Nations and member states, who are increasingly alarmed by the escalating violence and widespread violations taking place in the region.
Reports from the ICJ highlight the growing severity of the situation in the eastern DRC, with numerous human rights abuses being carried out by various groups, including the M23 rebel group, government forces, and other armed factions. The abuses reported include extrajudicial killings and sexual violence, which have raised urgent calls for international intervention and accountability.
The ICJ praised the recent special session held by the UN Human Rights Council, which addressed the crisis and created investigative mechanisms to look into these violations. However, the ICJ emphasized that more needs to be done. They are calling for an independent international mechanism to be established, which would focus on gathering and preserving evidence of atrocity crimes. The commission has called on both the Congolese government and relevant international actors to fully support this initiative.
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Another key issue raised by the ICJ is the impact of recent cuts to U.S. funding for human rights efforts. They pointed out that the reduction in U.S. financial support to UN bodies and humanitarian organizations has severely hampered human rights monitoring and assistance efforts. The ICJ criticized the U.S. decision to freeze or cut foreign aid, arguing that this move has undermined international cooperation and made it harder to support vulnerable communities, especially in crisis zones like the DRC.
In light of these challenges, the ICJ has called on all UN member states to step up and ensure that resources are available to maintain vital human rights mechanisms. The commission stressed that the gap left by U.S. funding cuts must be addressed to ensure continued efforts to protect and promote human rights in the DRC and beyond.
