The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, has leveled serious accusations against the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, alleging the Rwanda-backed group has committed summary executions of children and targeted hospitals and aid warehouses in the recently captured city of Bukavu. Türk confirmed these actions in a statement, adding that children were also found to be in possession of weapons.

While Türk didn't offer specific details, the UN has previously raised concerns about child soldier recruitment by both the M23 rebels and Congolese government forces. A UN Human Rights Council commission, recently established, is investigating atrocities committed by both sides since the start of the year, including alleged summary executions and sexual violence.

The capture of Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million, follows the M23's seizure of Goma last month. The fighting has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced and an estimated 3,000 casualties reported in Goma alone.

The M23 is the most powerful among over 100 armed groups battling for control of eastern Congo's vast mineral resources, crucial for global technology production. UN experts estimate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support the M23. Rwanda, in turn, accuses Congo of harboring Hutu fighters involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The M23 claims its fight is to protect Tutsis and Congolese people of Rwandan descent from discrimination and aims to modernize Congo. However, critics see this as a cover for Rwanda's intervention. Unlike their brief seizure of Goma in 2012, analysts believe the M23's current objective is political power.

The protracted conflict has displaced over six million people in the region, leading to one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. Recent reports also indicate Ugandan troops have entered Bunia, another eastern Congolese city, to support the Congolese army in suppressing violence by armed ethnic groups.