Human Rights Council: 19th Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, 28 April to 9 May 2014
Statement by the UK Mission Geneva on the Universal Periodic Review of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 29 April 2014.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations, Geneva
Thank you Mr President,
The UK thanks the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for its contribution to the Universal Periodic Review and its willingness to engage.
The UK remains concerned about the human rights situation in the DRC. Serious human rights abuses and violations continue, including the murder and rape of civilians and the recruitment of children. The UK remains concerned about the lack of credible investigations, leading to a culture of impunity for the worst offences.
While we welcome signs of greater commitment by the government of the DRC to fight impunity, the UK believes that there remains an urgent need to address the causes and consequences of sexual and gender based violence in the DRC, and to consistently ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The UK has two recommendations:
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First, that the DRC government ensures that perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence are consistently brought to justice, and guarantees the protection of witnesses and survivors.
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Second, that the DRC government develops and implements a new Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration programme for dealing with armed groups, ensuring that former combatants are given realistic opportunities to reintegrate into the community and that children involved with armed groups are treated in line with international law.
Thank you.