Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on Thursday detailing incidents of civilian atrocities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid ongoing military confrontations involving Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group. As these forces move closer to the town of Sake, local residents and more than half a million displaced individuals are increasingly vulnerable to violence and humanitarian crises.

The M23 is a Tutsi-led armed group backed by Rwanda. Their insurgency has been ongoing since the group’s resurgence in 2021. M23 has been accused of committing widespread atrocities against civilians, including indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence, and forced recruitment of child soldiers. The situation has been exacerbated by Rwanda’s alleged support for the group, despite ongoing international calls for peace. In North Kivu, where much of the fighting has been concentrated, displacement camps near Goma have become hotspots for violence.

In North Kivu, the Shabindu-Kashaka displacement site has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict. In early April, rockets fired by Rwandan military forces and M23 struck this site, resulting in the death of a 19-year-old and the destruction of numerous shelters. On May 3, additional rocket strikes targeted the Lac Vert and Mugunga neighborhoods, claiming the lives of at least 17 civilians, including 15 children.

HRW has underscored the alarming humanitarian conditions within the Kanyaruchinya camp, where evidence indicates that Wazalendo fighters have unlawfully detained individuals and extorted them for money and valuables. Detainees are forced into makeshift holding areas known as “kiboro.” Survivors have recounted experiences of violence and abuse. Moreover, the report reveals a disturbing trend of sexual violence, with survivors indicating that their attackers frequently donned military uniforms. The alarming prevalence of these crimes reported at rates between 50 to 100 cases per week in certain camps highlights an urgent need for protective measures. Sexual violence in conflict zones is recognized as a war crime.

Actions detailed in HRW’s report may constitute violations of international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, which is designed to safeguard civilians during armed conflicts. Unlawful detention and extortion can also amount to war crimes as defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

HRW has called on Congolese and Rwandan authorities to thoroughly investigate and prosecute war crimes, particularly those involving sexual violence, in line with the principle of command responsibility. The organization also advocates for comprehensive humanitarian assistance for all at-risk civilians, including legal, social, and medical support for survivors of sexual violence. To strengthen civilian protection against the devastating effects of explosive weapons, HRW urged both nations to endorse the 2022 Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. Lastly, HRW emphasized the need for the UN, EU, and other international bodies to closely monitor military assistance to both sides, ensuring that it does not contribute to further abuses and that human rights standards are consistently upheld.