UN Human Rights Council 55: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of Congo
UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Thank you, Mr Vice-President,
The UK remains concerned by the grave and deteriorating human rights situation in DRC, and the continuing reports of violations and abuses.
We cannot talk about human rights in DRC without discussing the continued atrocities being committed in the east as a result of the ongoing conflict. Civilians are bearing the brunt of violations and abuses being committed by actors engaged in the conflict, including sexual and gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, child recruitment into armed groups, and positioning of artillery alongside displacement sites.
Given the recent intensification of violence, we call on the government of DRC and all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and of vulnerable communities.
More broadly, the UK is concerned about shrinking civic space in DRC, and we urge the government to uphold the civic freedoms enshrined in its constitution, including the freedom of the press, a crucial part of any democratic society.
We also urge DRC to reconsider its decision to lift the death penalty moratorium. This unravels decades of positive work in DRC and demonstrates a lack of value for human life. There is no conclusive evidence that the death penalty is a successful deterrent, and any miscarriage of justice is irreversible.
To all the panellists,
Thank you for your interventions. What steps do you recommend DRC take to address the ongoing human rights violations and abuses in the east, and how can the international community best support these actions?