U.N. Envoy: Congo Should Prosecute Rebel Rapists

The U.N. envoy trying to combat sexual violence in conflict is urging Congo's government to prosecute rebels who recently carried out mass rapes there.

Margot Wallstrom also reminded the political and military leaders of the Rwandan rebel FDLR and Congolese Mai-Mai rebel group - the groups blamed for the attacks - that they can also be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

She told a news conference Tuesday that the U.N. must improve its response to incidents like the reported gang-rape of nearly 200 women and some baby boys in eastern Congo's mining district. The U.N. is investigating why its peacekeepers didn't learn about the attacks for nearly two weeks.