ABSTRACT
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which began in 1996, has been among the bloodiest in recent history. It is also a particularly complex one, comprising several African countries, numerous rebel armed groups, and the pursuit of important economic interests by every party involved. Local and regional conflicts did not end after the peace agreements of 2002, and violence still continues in parts of the country, particularly in the east. This chapter examines the historical background of the conflict, human rights violations as both causes and consequences, the international humanitarian law and international human rights law applicable to the abuses committed, and prospects for accountability. Chapter 13 analyzes in greater depth the prosecutorial activity by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the crimes committed in the Ituri region.
