GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (HRNW) — Amnesty International has documented allegations of serious human-rights abuses at mining sites in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including summary killings, torture, arbitrary detention, forced labour and forced recruitment.
In research published September 21, Amnesty examined conditions at two mining locations: a coltan mine near Rubaya in Masisi territory of North Kivu and a gold mine at Lomera in Kabare territory of South Kivu.
Amnesty said its research documented abuses allegedly committed by M23 fighters operating in the mining areas.
The organization reported allegations involving killings, ill-treatment, arbitrary detention and forced labour among artisanal miners and local communities.
Amnesty also documented allegations of forced recruitment and the pillage of mining resources.
The organization said control over mining areas has significant consequences for civilians who depend on artisanal mining for their livelihoods.
Coltan and gold are valuable minerals used in global supply chains, making conditions at mining sites an important human-rights and economic issue.
Amnesty’s research also examines the movement of minerals from areas controlled by M23 and allegations concerning trafficking routes into neighbouring Rwanda.
The organization has called for stronger accountability and measures to prevent minerals connected to human-rights abuses from entering international supply chains.
Amnesty said victims and affected communities should have access to justice and effective remedies for violations.
The report adds to international scrutiny of the relationship between armed groups, natural-resource exploitation and civilian protection in eastern Congo.
The organization is urging governments and companies involved in mineral supply chains to strengthen due-diligence measures and ensure that minerals are not contributing to abuses.
The findings are part of Amnesty International’s wider documentation of the conflict and human-rights situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Disclaimer
This article reports findings from Amnesty International’s research into alleged abuses at mining sites in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Allegations concerning M23 fighters, mineral trafficking and other actors are attributed to Amnesty International and have not been independently established by HRNW.
