COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE POSTPONES CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

The Committee against Torture was due this morning to take up the consideration of the initial report of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the efforts of that country to give effect to the provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. However, because of a visa problem, it was not possible for the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to attend, and therefore the consideration of the report was put off to 10 a.m. on Monday, 21 November 2005.

Antoine Mindua Kesia-Mbe, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Ambassador to Switzerland, said the Democratic Republic of the Congo was aware of the proceedings of the Committee, and had carried out work with the body. The Ambassador of Human Rights had been nominated to come to the Committee, accompanied by two ministers; unfortunately, visas had not been accorded in time by Switzerland. The Committee should intervene to remind those responsible that the members of the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a member of the United Nations, had the right and duty to attend the meeting, and should be granted a visa. He hoped the delegation would arrive this weekend, and the work could begin on Monday.

Fernando Marino Martinez, Chairman of the Committee, said that the problems encountered by the delegation were of concern to the Committee. The consideration was postponed until Monday at 10 a.m.

An Expert proposed that the Committee consider the matter in private session of approaching Switzerland in order to respond to the request of the Ambassador. This was seconded by another Expert.

Mr. Martinez suggested that the Committee should provide assistance to the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as it was clear that it intended to submit the report.

The Committee will reconvene in public at 3 p.m. this afternoon, when it will hear the response of France to questions posed on 17 November in the morning.

For use of the information media; not an official record

CAT05032E