The UN human rights chief accused Rwanda-backed rebels who seized a second major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of killing children and attacking hospitals and warehouses storing humanitarian aid.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, seizing the regional governor's office. Some people lined the streets to clap and cheer the fighters as they marched and drove into the city centre without resistance.

The Rwandan government has condemned Belgium for its "aggressive campaign" to prevent the country from securing development funding. Belgium urged the European Union to freeze direct budget support to Rwanda until it "breaks links with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels" making advances in eastern DR Congo.

The accusation comes after M23 seized more territory in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. View on euronews

The United Nations Human Rights Council earlier this month launched a commission that will investigate atrocities.

The European Parliament, in a strong resolution last week, slammed the inaction of European Union executives on the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group is committing grave violations of the laws of war.