UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the enhanced interactive dialogue on the Democratic Republic of Congo

The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner and the Team of Independent Experts for this update.

We welcome President Tshisekedi’s ongoing commitment to strengthening democracy and tackling insecurity; however, we remain deeply concerned by the ongoing human rights situation, and by continued reports of human rights violations and abuses, including acts of sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and extrajudicial killings. We are especially concerned about the significant risk to civilians posed by the ongoing activities of armed groups in eastern DRC, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and CODECO, who are threatening the safety and livelihoods of people living in these areas. They must be held accountable.

We strongly encourage DRC to re-double its efforts to improve the human rights situation. There needs to be a clear, time-limited exit strategy from the state of siege, improved coordination with partners to protect civilians, and a commitment to protecting political space while building institutional support and accountability for human rights.

We will continue to support the President’s focus on stability, and efforts to build a lasting peace, and call on his government to do so while fully respecting the rights and freedoms of all Congolese people, particularly over the forthcoming electoral period.

High Commissioner,

How can the international community help to ensure the protection of civilians in Ituri and North Kivu, in response to the growing violence and instability in these regions?

Thank you.