UN human rights chief accuses Rwanda-backed rebels of child killings in eastern Congo

The U.N. human rights chief has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of killing children and attacking hospitals in eastern Congo. This follows the rebels' recent capture of Bukavu, their second major city, after taking Goma last month. Volker Türk stated that his office confirmed cases of summary executions of children by the M23. He noted that children were found with weapons, highlighting ongoing concerns about child recruitment by both the rebels and Congolese government forces. The U.N. Human Rights Council has launched an investigation into atrocities committed by both sides. The M23, supported by Rwandan troops, aims to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin amid a backdrop of long-standing conflict and humanitarian crisis.