Also in this week’s newsletter: The fight for gig workers’ rights, a landmark ICC hearing, and the weekly quiz. 

One man who tried to flee with family members as the forces took control of Uvira saw four of them shot as they tried to flee the city on December 10. “It was chaos,” he said. “We had small bags that we threw off and we ran. I wasn't hit so I just ran to the lake. I saw my brother, his wife, and two of his children fall.”

Once they had control of Uvira, M23 and Rwandan forces began seeking out men and boys in door-to-door operations, accusing them of ties to opposing militia groups, and executing many on the spot.

The M23 was first formed in 2012 as a rebellion against the Congolese government but later reemerged in with support from Rwanda. Since then, fighting between the M23 and Rwandan forces on one side, and Congolese armed forces along with allies including other abusive militias on the other, have displaced hundreds of thousands of people in North and South Kivu, in eastern Congo. Over the years, the warring parties have committed unlawful killings, rape, forced recruitment, and forced labor.

The occupation of Uvira highlights the grave toll being shouldered by civilians in eastern Congo and the urgent need for victims and their families to see justice. 

News Around the World

On the Upside

Your good news wrap for the week: 

• ICYMI, the EU Parliament has confirmed that “Only Yes Means Yes”
• The UN offers guidance on dismantling gender stereotypes
• And the US Supreme Court recently provided a lifeline for crucial abortion access

The Weekly Quiz

Been following along? Take our 5-question quiz to test your knowledge on the latest human rights news.