The U.N.'s top human rights body agreed Friday to a text presented by Congo that “firmly condemns” support of rebel fighters by neighboring Rwanda in eastern Congo. It also orders the creation of a team of experts to examine rights violations in the region.

DR Congo requested the urgent meeting of the UN's top rights body to discuss escalating fighting by Rwanda-backed armed group M23 in North and South Kivu provinces, and drew up a draft resolution that would set up the probe.

The Rwanda-backed rebels who captured a major city in eastern Congo have sought to reassure its residents about their safety

Officials and residents say Rwanda-backed rebels have gained ground in eastern Congo despite the unilateral ceasefire they declared earlier this week, taking control of a town 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the provincial capital of Bukavu.