GENEVA, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The U.N. Human Rights Council on Monday condemned abuses against civilians in Congo, especially sexual attacks, and called on both government and rebel forces to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

At an emergency session, the Council also backed a stronger mandate for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo "to increase its ability to address the dire security and humanitarian situation in the region."

The resolution, introduced by Egypt on behalf of African states, was adopted by consensus by the 47-member state body. (Reporting by Laura MacInnis)

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