The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a special session on February 7 in Geneva, prompted by escalating violence in Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) now under the control of the M23 rebel group. The session, requested by the DRC government, will focus on the human rights implications of the takeover, which was reportedly backed by Rwanda.
The rebels seized Goma, a strategically important and resource-rich city, last week, reviving concerns about the long-standing conflict in the region. This area, known for its rich mineral resources, has been a flashpoint for violence for decades, particularly during the wars of 1996-1997 and 1998-2003, which together caused the deaths of millions and drew in foreign nations.
The session, scheduled for February 7, is gaining strong international support. As of now, 27 countries have voiced their backing for the meeting, surpassing the one-third threshold of the Human Rights Council’s 47 members needed for the session to proceed.
While the Council’s resolutions are not legally binding, its discussions often carry significant political weight. Additionally, its investigations have, in the past, led to the prosecution of individuals for war crimes in international courts. The upcoming session may place further global pressure on governments involved in the conflict and could bring critical attention to human rights abuses in the region.
The situation in Goma highlights the continued volatility of the DRC’s eastern regions, and the upcoming session underscores the international community’s concern over the ongoing crisis.
UN-human-rights-Photo-by-Jean-Marc-FerrZ-on-Flickr.
