Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the Democratic Republic of Congo
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott , CIVICUS
Mr President,
Escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between DRC forces and M23 forces backed by Rwanda has resulted in devastating consequences, with over 8,500 casualties reported since January, including 5,000 in Goma alone.
The occupation of territories in North and South Kivu by the M23 armed group has seen the perpetration of summary killings, conflict-related S/GBV, abductions, indiscriminate attacks against civilians, and frequent bombing of IDP sites.
Of particular concern is the growing censorship, intimidation of the independent press and restrictions on social media and internet access, which continues to severely hinder the right to access to information and freedom of expression for civil society actors. Despite aid efforts by humanitarian agencies, insecurity hampers both media and civil society activities and humanitarian relief, forcing human rights defenders (HRDs), activists, and journalists into hiding or exile.
We strongly call on international governments and institutions to uphold international humanitarian law in DRC, allowing for the reopening of Goma airport and permitting humanitarian activities in the “red zone.”
We furthermore call on this Council to adopt a strong Resolution on the human rights situation in the DRC with a focus on the protection of HRDs at risk and urge States to support, including through adequate funding, the newly established Fact-finding Mission to allow the prompt collection of information and verification into grave human rights violations and the stocktaking of possible accountability options to further pave the way for the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry.
We call on all parties and on the international community to act decisively to end grave human rights violations, media censorship, and humanitarian crisis and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
Thank you, Mr. President.
