This report by the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) addresses the human rights violations committed against civilians in the villages of Bushani and Kalambahiro in Masisi territory, North Kivu, on 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011. On the basis of the investigations undertaken into these violations, the UNJHRO is able to confirm that men in uniform identified by various sources as soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) submitted 47 women, including one minor, to sexual violence, including rape, abducted two civilians, and inflicted cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment on 12 others civilians. They also looted at least 100 houses in the Bushani area and three buildings and set on fire or destroyed at least four houses. No source, however, has yet been able to identify the FARDC battalion(s) that took part in the attack, particularly as their uniforms wore no identification. The report also highlights the limited cooperation between the FARDC and the military prosecutor’s office which impeded efforts to fight impunity. This report contains recommendations to the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), MONUSCO and humanitarian partners, in particular with regard to the protection of civilians in these villages, the type of assistance needed by the victims, and the measures to be taken to ensure that the alleged perpetrators of these violations are brought to justice.

Date of publication: 22 July 2011