The UN Human Rights Commission wants M23 rebels to return all hospital patients they took during attacks in eastern Congo. These Rwandan-backed fighters grabbed at least 130 sick and hurt men from two hospitals in Goma. M23 soldiers stormed both CBCA Ndosho Hospital and Heal Africa Hospital on February 28. They took 116 patients from the first hospital and another 15 from the second location.
The rebels believed these patients might be Congo army soldiers or members of groups fighting against M23. Ravina Shamdasani from the UN Human Rights Office called these actions very upsetting. She demanded the rebels must free all patients right away and let them return to hospitals for medical care. The UN reminded everyone that war rules protect hospitals and sick people during conflicts.
M23 has gained control of Goma since January and continues taking over more land in eastern Congo. This fighting became much worse starting last December as rebels pushed forward. The conflict comes from problems dating back to Rwanda's 1994 genocide and fights over Congo's rich mineral resources. Both sides want control of valuable mining areas that contain important minerals.
The United Nations reports about 4,000 soldiers from Rwanda fight together with M23 rebels inside Congo. Countries like the United Kingdom have put punishment measures against Rwanda because of this ongoing conflict. The International Criminal Court has warned that any person leading armed groups or committing war crimes during this fight will face charges. Prosecutors plan to bring all those responsible to justice regardless of which side they support.
The rebels believed these patients might be Congo army soldiers or members of groups fighting against M23. Ravina Shamdasani from the UN Human Rights Office called these actions very upsetting. She demanded the rebels must free all patients right away and let them return to hospitals for medical care. The UN reminded everyone that war rules protect hospitals and sick people during conflicts.
M23 has gained control of Goma since January and continues taking over more land in eastern Congo. This fighting became much worse starting last December as rebels pushed forward. The conflict comes from problems dating back to Rwanda's 1994 genocide and fights over Congo's rich mineral resources. Both sides want control of valuable mining areas that contain important minerals.
The United Nations reports about 4,000 soldiers from Rwanda fight together with M23 rebels inside Congo. Countries like the United Kingdom have put punishment measures against Rwanda because of this ongoing conflict. The International Criminal Court has warned that any person leading armed groups or committing war crimes during this fight will face charges. Prosecutors plan to bring all those responsible to justice regardless of which side they support.
