During a recent UN Human Rights Council special session on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UK condemned recent hostilities by M23 and Rwandan forces. Amidst calls for humanitarian access, the UK highlighted the horrific levels of sexual violence and the need for accountability. The UK reiterated its commitment to addressing human rights concerns through all available Council mechanisms.
During the UN Human Rights Council’s special session addressing the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UK’s Permanent Representative, Simon Manley, commended the efforts of Congolese authorities in convening such a significant meeting, which garnered broad support from across Africa. He highlighted the prolonged neglect that the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC has faced.
Manley condemned the recent military actions by M23 and the Rwandan Defense Forces, which have exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation. He urged all parties involved to guarantee unobstructed humanitarian access for the delivery of critically needed assistance, specifically calling for M23 and Rwanda to urgently reopen Goma airport.
The UK representative expressed alarm over the alarming rates of sexual and gender-based violence prevalent in eastern DRC, citing particularly horrific incidents such as the reported rapes and murders occurring in Goma’s Munzenze Prison. He emphasized the necessity for decisive collective action to investigate these crimes and eliminate impunity.
He reiterated the UK’s commitment to utilize all mechanisms available within the Human Rights Council to address and rectify the troubling human rights conditions in the DRC, insisting on a robust and unified international response to the crisis.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been experiencing a prolonged humanitarian crisis, particularly in its eastern regions. This crisis has been compounded by armed conflicts involving various rebel groups, notably M23, and external involvement from neighboring countries, such as Rwanda. The ongoing violence has led to significant human rights abuses, including widespread sexual violence, placing immense strain on local populations and humanitarian resources. The UN Human Rights Council convened this special session to address these pressing issues and seek comprehensive solutions.
The UK’s statement at the UN HRC special session underscored the urgent need for action regarding the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in light of the recent violence perpetrated by M23 and Rwandan forces. It highlighted the need for humanitarian access, accountability for human rights violations, and collective international efforts to improve the situation. The crisis in eastern DRC requires immediate and sustained attention to alleviate suffering and restore peace.
Original Source: www.gov.uk
