UN condemns deadly attacks against civilians in DRC News
John Samuel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
UN condemns deadly attacks against civilians in DRC

The UN decried on Friday a recent attack against civilians perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The UN described the incident as “one of the most appalling attacks” ever recorded in the country, and indicated that it may constitute a war crime.

According to information gathered by the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), a series of deadly attacks took place between November 13 and 19 across several localities in Lubero Territory, in North Kivu province of the eastern DRC. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 89 civilians, including 20 women and an unknown number of children. These incidents included a raid on a healthcare center where 17 patients were killed. The raid also saw abductions of civilians, looting of medical supplies, and destruction of property. Assaults on healthcare facilities are strictly forbidden under international humanitarian law, which mandates that medical units be respected and protected in all circumstances. This protection extends to the wounded and sick, medical staff, and means of transport.

The UN expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Congolese authorities in protecting civilians, preventing further abuses, and addressing impunity. MONUSCO also urged national authorities to conduct independent investigations to hold the perpetrators accountable and called on armed groups in the region to disarm.

The DRC has been plagued by armed conflicts for decades between security forces and several armed groups, such as the M23 and the ADF, which have plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis. The UN has previously published a report revealing that all parties to the conflict have committed serious violations of international humanitarian law that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The committed atrocities included summary executions of civilians, torture, sexual violence, and human trafficking. In February, the UN Human Rights Council established a fact-finding mission and commission of inquiry into abuses committed by parties to the armed conflict on the request of the DRC.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Texas carried out first US execution by lethal injection

On December 7, 1983, the first US execution by lethal injection was carried out at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. Learn more about the history, technology and worldwide use of lethal injection.

Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, precipitating declarations of war by US and Allies

On December 7, 1941, Imperial Japan attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Canada responded later that day by declaring war on Japan. The following day, on December 8, the United States and the United Kingdom also declared war on Japan. In response on December 11, Japan's ally, Germany, declared war on the United States.