WUNRN
UN Human Rights Experts Concerned About Serious Human Rights
Violations in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
GENEVA --
“The humanitarian and security situation in the East of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo has once again worsened as fighting in North Kivu has resumed.
Civilians are at risk as we continue to receive reports of serious violations
of human rights and grave breaches of international humanitarian law from the
region.”, a group of independent experts mandated by the United Nations Human
Rights Council said today, as the Council was preparing to hold a special
session on the human rights situation in the East of the Democratic Republic of
Congo.
Mr. Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
executions, added: “I have received numerous reports of extrajudicial
executions, and killings of civilians, including massacres. These reports need
to be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.” He also
expressed the need for commanders on the ground to take immediate action to put
an end to these killings.
Ms. Yakin Ertürk, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and
consequences, is alarmed about an apparent surge in rapes committed by armed
men in Eastern DRC. Echoing concerns expressed by the High Commissioner for
Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, on the occasion of the International Day on the
Elimination of Violence against Women.
The Special Rapporteur said: “Rape continues to be used as an instrument of
war, and women and girls are left without protection. The scourge of violence
against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo will only end if rape is
punished. Perpetrators thrive on a climate of impunity, which must be
challenged and stopped. I am further concerned that activists defending women’s
rights are themselves under serious threat.”
Mr. Walter Kälin, Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights
of internally displaced persons, highlighted that at least 250,000 people have
been newly displaced in Eastern Congo since the crisis began.
“Civilians must flee fighting for a safety that remains elusive. In some cases,
they are attacked by rebel forces. In other cases, the soldiers who were meant
to protect them have instead pillaged their towns and villages. The result is
massive displacement,” said Mr. Kälin while expressing concern about repeated
reports of IDPs being attacked in their camps.
Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights
defenders also expressed concerns: “According to reports I received, human
rights defenders, including journalists and civil society activists, have been
subjected to threats, attacks as well as arbitrary arrest and detention since
the resumption of hostilities.”
The independent experts highlighted that pillaging of a town or place, rape and
murder committed during armed conflict amount to war crimes: “Military and armed
group commanders who are aware that their subordinates are committing such
crimes but do nothing to stop them incur personal criminal responsibility and
have to be brought to justice.”
“We call –said the group of UN experts- on the parties to the armed conflict to
respect human rights and international humanitarian law, uphold ceasefire
commitments and provide humanitarian agencies free, unimpeded and secure access
to populations in need in conformity with international law.”
“The international community has a responsibility to protect and should provide
MONUC, the peacekeeping mission of the United Nations in the DRC, with the
capacity to protect civilians at risk, where and when State authorities fail to
do so,” the independent experts concluded.
The statement was signed by the following mandate holders of the Human Rights
Council:
· Philip Alston, Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary Executions
· Yakin Ertürk, Special
Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences
· Ms. Margaret Sekaggya,
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
· Walter Kälin, Representative
of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons
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