Shocking Execution of Children Spurs International Alarm in Bukavu

Three children in Bukavu were tragically executed by the M23 rebel group after donning abandoned army gear. The UN human rights office confirmed these incidents and raised concerns about the safety of journalists and civil society amid ongoing infractions by the rebels.

In a harrowing incident that has garnered significant international attention, three children were reportedly executed by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Bukavu. The children had donned weapons and uniforms left behind by the Congolese army, leading to their tragic fate, as confirmed by the U.N. human rights office.

During a press briefing in Geneva, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights office, expressed alarm over these summary executions and highlighted the urgency of addressing ongoing violations since the rebel group's arrival in the city last week.

Additionally, there are mounting concerns for the safety of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society members seeking protection from potential reprisals by the M23 rebels, as the volatile situation continues to unfold.