By: Amie Sillito
Armed groups in the North of the Democratic Republic of Congo are committing serious human rights violations. The report of the UN High Comissioner presented to the Human Right council include information on slavery, rape, and torture perpetrated by militias. The interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in the DRC was held at the 36th meeting of the 48th Session of the Human Rights Council.
The High Commissioner’s report highlights key human rights developments, assessing the progress made in implementing the recommendations put forward by the High Commissioner in previous reports and setting out further recommendations for the Government. Considering the surge in the number of summary and extra judicial killings in the DRC perpetuated by armed groups, the High Commissioner urged the government to increase security efforts and military operations to protect civilians and suppress armed groups.
In the ensuing debate, delegations expressed their support for the High Commissioner’s report and concern for the human rights abuses perpetrated in the country. The European Union commended the DRC for the progress made in the country, especially for starting reconciliation processes. The Netherlands also expressed concern about a number of state actors perpetrating acts of violence. Furthermore, a recent rise in hate speech undermines the right to freedom of expression, especially for vulnerable ethnic minorities. Despite the commitment of the DRC to protect human rights, the United States remained concerned with the levels of ethnic violence in the country. It demanded the government publicly condemn militias' violent crackdowns on humanitarian organisations and the free press. The US delegation added that the government should guarantee transparent investigations into such violations. Finally, civil society organizations also voiced their concerns over the high levels of child slavery, forced marriages, sexual violence and rape which they claim government has turned a blind eye to.
GICJ supports all efforts to annihilate ethnic violence, human rights abuses and impunity. However, the government should increase its efforts for protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators, prioritizing women and children’s rights as they are the most vulnerable groups within the society. The conflict’s protraction is due to the heavy armament of the militias. Disarmament programs must accelerate, and should be followed by adequate rehabilitation and reconciliation efforts.
Justice, Human rights, Geneva, geneva4justice, GICJ, Geneva International For Justice
