The United Nations on Friday called for a “comprehensive” investigation into the army’s suppression of a demonstration in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday that left dozens of civilians dead.
The authorities’ investigation must “comprehensively examine the use of force by security forces” and must also be “thorough, effective and impartial,” emphasized Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a press conference in Geneva.
Ms Shamdasani mentioned 43 deaths but acknowledged the number could be higher.
The repression of this demonstration, organized by a sect and directed against UN troops stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, left 48 dead and 75 injured, according to an internal document from the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) consulted by AFP and was confirmed by military and intelligence sources.
“Those responsible for violations must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their affiliation,” Ms. Shamdasani continued.
Shamdasani said 222 people were arrested during the operation, “including women and children.”
“We are concerned about the high risk of human rights violations in such a tense context,” she said.
“It is essential that the rights of those detained are fully respected, including their right to due process, and that relevant authorities guarantee the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office continued access to those detained,” she urged.
“Citizens have the right to express themselves freely and to assemble peacefully, including when protesting against the United Nations and other actors,” the spokesman said, emphasizing that authorities must facilitate the right to peaceful assembly.