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At least 849 civilians were killed in ADF attacks last year in Irumu and Mambasa territories in Ituri province and in Beni territory in North Kivu province, according to the report. a report released Tuesday.
The group is also accused of injuring 62 civilians and sexually abusing four women during the second half of the year.
Violations by Congolese forces
Congolese security and defense forces also committed violations during operations against the ADF in 2020, according to the report of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the country (UNJHRO), which is in French.
Overall, some 47 civilians were killed and 27 women and 22 children were victims of sexual violence, while 126 people were arbitrarily arrested.
The ADF also carried out several retaliatory attacks against civilians in areas previously under its control during the second half of the year, resulting in massive displacement.
The report further documents an increase in the number of civilians abducted for forced labor, with 534 people abducted, of which 457 remain missing.
Armed attacks continue
The violence continued into the New Year. Unknowns attacked the Twa community of Walese Vonkutu, located in Irumu territory, on January 13, killing at least 14 people, including two pregnant women.
“Given the widespread and systematic nature of the attack directed against the civilian population, some of the documented human rights violations may constitute crimes against humanity,” said Marta Hurtado, OHCHR spokesperson in Geneva .
“The violence takes place in a context of impunity, where few abuses and violations of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law are investigated and prosecuted. An ADF attack on Beni prison in October 2020 – which led to the escape of 1,300 escaped detainees – dealt a blow to accountability in the country.
Recommendations for justice
The report contains several recommendations addressed to the DRC authorities, in particular to ensure that the security forces act in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Mechanisms for the protection of civilians, in particular during military operations, must also be strengthened.
Authorities should also work with neighboring countries, particularly Uganda, to ensure that ADF-affiliated perpetrators seeking refuge in their territories are located and brought to justice.
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