HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL OPENS SPECIAL SESSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

The Human Rights Council this afternoon opened its special session on the situation of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi, President of the Human Rights Council, emphasized how important it was for the Council to be able to discuss all human rights matters that needed its attention, wherever and whenever they occurred. It had to be all-inclusive in its discussions and even-handed in the way it was dealing with matters. Mr. Uhomoibhi also noted that he had received a letter from Egypt, on behalf of the African Group, that they had learned that the group of Government representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had not been able to get their visas from the Swiss authorities to be able to attend the special session in time. The African Group found it regrettable that their request to postpone the Special Session, in order for the delegation to attend the session, was not heeded.

Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, addressing the special session, said that in and of itself, the special session conveyed to the Congolese people that the international community was aware of their terrible plight. It also signalled a commitment on the part of the Human Rights Council to be engaged in the international community’s efforts to put an end to many years of conflict and suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But this was clearly not enough. A failure to adequately address the root causes of the conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo would risk leading to further outbreaks of large-scale violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

The High Commissioner said that since heavy fighting resumed in North Kivu in August, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had documented a steady deterioration of the human rights situation, with summary executions, kidnappings, and widespread looting being committed by belligerent forces on a daily basis. The prevailing culture of impunity contributed to the wide range of serious human rights violations, stressed Ms. Pillay. Of particular concern was the unparalleled violence against women, including rape.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking as the concerned country, said that the human rights situation in North Kivu was a source of concern to the population and the Government. The Government rightly assessed the importance of a session like the present one. The population in Kivu needed peace before all. What had to be done was to tell those countries providing military support to the rebel groups to stop supporting them. The settling of the causes of the human rights abuses and not the consequences of them had to be tackled. Once peace was established in the region, human rights would be respected and there would be no more need for such special sessions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In the general debate, delegations strongly condemned the humanitarian and human rights situation in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly the prevailing extrajudicial killings, the use of rape as a weapon of war, the systematic forced recruitment of children by armed groups and the ongoing impunity. All parties were called upon to put an end to all hostilities and to all human rights violations. All the parties were also urged to allow humanitarian aid to reach the affected population. Many delegations expressed their dismay over the fact that a high-level delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo had not been able to attend the special session because of visas problems. Some delegations urged the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure the safety of its population, while others said that the combined efforts of the Government with the international community were needed to ensure that all the root causes were dealt with.

Speaking in the general debate were representatives of Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt on behalf of the African Group, France on behalf of the European Union, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, India, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Zambia, Canada, Italy, Angola, Japan, the Czech Republic, Chile, Ghana, Bangladesh, Mexico, Malaysia, Argentina, Germany, the Russian Federation. Brazil, Djibouti, Cuba, Uruguay China, Indonesia, South Africa, the Republic of Korea, Nigeria, Bolivia, Slovenia, Norway, Australia, Denmark, the Holy See, Ireland, Panama, Finland, Algeria, Sudan and Israel.

The Special Session was called by France on behalf of Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. A number of non-members of the Council also joined the request. This is the eighth special session of the Human Rights Council, and the third to be held this year.

The special session will resume on Monday 1 December 2008 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Room XIX.


Opening Statements

MARTIN IHOEGHIAN UHOMOIBHI, President of the Human Rights Council, in opening remarks, emphasized how important it was for the Council to express itself on the important matters before it. The Council had to be able to discuss all human rights matters that needed its attention, wherever and whenever they occurred. It had to be all-inclusive in its discussions and even-handed in the way it was dealing with matters. This was the only way that the international community would retain full confidence in the Council’s work. He also expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the group of sponsors of the Special Session.

Mr. Uhomoibhi noted that he had received a letter from Egypt, on behalf of the African Group. This letter mentioned that the African Group had learned that the group of Government representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had not been able to get their visas from the Swiss authorities to be able to attend the special session in time. In the letter, the African Group expressed its deep disappointment over this fact, which prevented the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to attend the Special Session at this high level. The African Group also found it regrettable that their request to postpone the Special Session, in order for the delegation to attend the session, was not heeded and that the Council would nevertheless proceed with the holding of the Special Session. Mr. Uhomoibhi said Switzerland would be given the floor after the opening statements to respond to why the visas were not granted.

NAVI PILLAY, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, welcomed the opportunity to address the Council at the eighth Special Session and fully supported the initiative, which provided an important platform to discuss the critical and deteriorating human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In and of itself, the special session conveyed to the Congolese people that the international community was aware of their terrible plight. It also signalled a commitment on the part of the Human Rights Council to be engaged in the international community’s efforts to put an end to many years of conflict and suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But this was clearly not enough. A failure to adequately address the root causes of the conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo would risk leading to further outbreaks of large-scale violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Since heavy fighting resumed in North Kivu in August, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had documented a steady deterioration of the human rights situation, with summary executions, kidnappings, and widespread looting being committed by belligerent forces on a daily basis. The prevailing culture of impunity contributed to the wide range of serious human rights violations, stressed Ms. Pillay. Of particular concern was the unparalleled violence against women, including rape. Armed clashes had caused massive flight with an estimated 250,000 newly internally displaced persons, the majority of whom were women and children. Those internally displaced persons were exposed to continuous abuses by all parties.

The most recent reports suggested an escalating number of cases of sexual violence in its most brutal forms committed by soldiers of the Congolese Armed Forces, including in the Kibati internally displaced persons camp, where last week a 13 year old girl was viciously raped and reportedly died as a result of the attack. In Kiwanja, controlled by the rebel forces of Laurent Nkunda’s Congrès national pour la défense du people, reports of disappearances and summary executions of suspected government supporters reached the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as recently as last week. The unfolding human rights crisis was not confined to the Kivus. It had been compounded by other brutal forces in the region, including the Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army, whose actions have led to massive displacements, rapes, killings and the forced recruitment of child soldiers in Oriental Province, the High Commissioner said.

As efforts to resume negotiations between the belligerents in Democratic Republic of the Congo intensified, it was crucial that all parties be reminded of - and compelled to comply with - their obligations under human rights and international humanitarian law. Parties to the conflict had to be held accountable for the atrocities committed by their forces. The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo needed to be provided with political backing and unhindered access to conduct investigations into allegations of serious abuses, noted Ms. Pillay. The findings of such investigations had to be fully taken into account by parties involved in diplomatic and political efforts to respond to the crisis.

The periodic cycles of bloodshed and destruction that had for so long affected the Democratic Republic of the Congo would keep recurring unless the perpetrators of human rights violations were brought to justice, and unless the illegal exploitation of natural resources was adequately and comprehensively addressed. Ms. Pillay underscored that the Democratic Republic of the Congo ran the risk of becoming a case study in how peace processes could go awry without the will to make justice and accountability an integral part of these processes.

Over the past few years, progress in fighting impunity had been hindered by a dysfunctional justice system, lack of resources and political and military interference. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights-led Democratic Republic of the Congo Mapping Exercise, which was now underway, would be of critical importance to create an inventory of the most serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed between 1993 and 2003. Ms. Pillay stressed that it also assessed existing capacities within the national justice system to address such violations. The Mapping Exercise’s recommendations on transitional justice would need full political backing.

Past peace agreements had enabled well-known perpetrators of atrocities to be integrated into the army and police in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This had exacerbated the current climate of impunity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, empowered human rights violators and further endangered the Congolese population, underscored Ms. Pillay. She said that the disturbing truth that the Forces Armées de la république démocratique du Congo and the Congolese Police were among the perpetrators which could no longer be ignored. Three weeks ago in Goma, the Forces Armées de la république démocratique du Congo were reportedly responsible for the pillage, rapes and killings that took place there. Similar reports concerned the area of Kanyabayonga. Without profound and radical reform of these and other State security forces, the Democratic Republic of the Congo population would remain vulnerable to such atrocities. Thorough vetting processes needed to be put in place to ensure that officers responsible for gross human rights violations were not absorbed into State security forces.

The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were destitute, but the country’s mineral wealth was vast. Unfortunately, most natural resource extraction was carried out illegally. This clearly violated the economic rights of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who continued to suffer while mining profits fuelled the conflict. Only through a concerted effort - involving both State and non-State actors, as well as the international community - would fighting stop and the resources of the country be employed to generate the welfare and prosperity that the Congolese people were entitled to, stressed Ms. Pillay. The convening of the special session showed the commitment of the Council to stop the unfolding human rights tragedy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and prevent further cycles of violence. The Congolese people deserved a durable peace. It was the collective responsibility of all to help them achieve it.


MANUELA CARMENA CASTRILLO, Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, speaking on behalf of all Special Procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, reaffirmed the commitment of all Special Procedures mandate holders, as independent experts, to support the work of the Human Rights Council and to constructively engage with it, with a view to enhancing cooperation on the promotion and protection of human rights.

Ms. Carmena Castrillo said that the Special Procedures believed they could make constructive and meaningful contributions to the discussions during the Special Session. For over 15 years, the then Commission and subsequently the Human Rights Council had been closely following the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition to the specific mandate established in 1994 and terminated in 2008, a number of thematic Special Rapporteurs had regularly visited the country, including its eastern part, reporting to this body about the issues related to their respective mandates. Through their reports, they had provided information on the human rights situation on the ground, including recommendations aimed at redressing the situation.

Ms. Carmena Castrillo noted that, in the past two years, three thematic mandate holders, namely the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences and the Representative of the Secretary-General on internally displaced persons had carried out official visits with a particular focus on the eastern part of the country. Also, this year, the Human Rights Council had adopted a resolution (7/20), inviting six Special Procedures mandate holders and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict to make recommendations on how to best assist technically the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Special Procedures acknowledged the spirit of cooperation displayed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in accepting requests for visits by mandate holders. They also appreciated the recent initiative undertaken by the newly appointed Minister for Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, requesting thematic Special Procedures to asses the current human rights situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Special Procedures were fully committed to following up on this. They were confident that the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s cooperation with Special Procedures would go beyond issuing invitations for country visits and hoped that it would devote serious efforts towards implementing the recommendations presented so far by the various mandate holders.

DANTE MARTINELLI (Switzerland), in response to the question raised by the President of the Council on authorization for the visas for the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to enter Switzerland, said that Switzerland regretted that the high level delegation was not able to be present at the special session. The Swiss authorities had done everything in their power to have the high level delegation present at the special session. Despite the fact that the visa request from the Democratic Republic of the Congo was only received arrived yesterday afternoon, the authorities took the issue as a special priority and granted a special authorization for the delegation to receive their visas for entry into Switzerland directly at Geneva airport. In addition, the special authorization was also sent to the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Statement by the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the Concerned Country

SEBASTIEN MUTOMB MUJING (Democratic Republic of the Congo), speaking as the concerned country, said that the human rights situation in North Kivu was a source of concern to the population and the Government. The Government rightly assessed the importance of a session like the present one. But the delegation had come with a sense of surprise to this session, as they had requested a postponement, but it had not been accepted by the European Union. Due to that haste, a number of delegations, especially from African countries, had not been able to come in time to Geneva, as the request for visas took time. As this meeting was not officially scheduled until a few days ago, the visas unit of Switzerland had not been able to deliver visas.

Humanitarian law and human rights had been violated for a long time in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since 1998, armed violence had caused some 5 million deaths in the east of the country. In 2006, elections had been organized and a legal Government had been set up. But General Nkunda had not accepted the result of the elections and had launched a rebellion which had obviously been receiving support from outside, in the form of arm deliveries. His goal was to destabilise the Kivus, in order to bring about a division of the country. Also, the destabilised situation was benefiting international corporations and multinationals that had been able to get cheaper access to gold and mining areas.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo believed that the population in Kivu needed peace before all. What had to be done was to tell those countries providing military support to rebel groups to stop supporting them. Also countries which had trade and other links with the rebels should use their influence on them. The aim was to show to the world that the Democratic Republic of the Congo was not a large ungovernable country that had to be divided up. The delegation recommended that the settling of the causes of the human rights abuses and not the consequences of them had to be tackled. Once peace was established in the region, human rights would be respected and there would be no more need for such special sessions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

General Debate

HISHAM BADR (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that the African Group was surprised and dismayed that the two Ministers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who were supposed to come to address the Council had not received entry visas from the Swiss authorities. This was an unfortunate development and proved the wisdom of the original request by the African Group for giving more time to ensure the participation of representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and hence for the deferral of the holding of the special session. The participation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at a high level, being the concerned State, would have allowed it to present its views on the evolving situation in one of its provinces and to enrich the deliberations of the special session. They found it regrettable that the request of the African Group was not heeded and that the Council was to proceed with the holding of the special session. They did not understand the need to impose deadlines, but rather underlined the spirit of consensus with which the Council operated. This might impair the ability of the Council to reach a consensus text due to the time constraints.

JEAN-BAPTISTE MATTEI (France), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that it was the responsibility of the Human Rights Council to consider human rights violations. Following the recent renewed battles in the region of the Kivus, serious and unbearable human rights violations had been committed and continued to be committed. There was no doubt that the situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was an urgent one, which needed the attention of the Council.

The European Union noted particularly the mass displacements and the worrying humanitarian situation in areas that humanitarian actors still had difficultly reaching as problems that needed to be solved. Extrajudicial killings and war crimes had been committed. An end had to be put to this violence and those responsible had to be held accountable before international criminal justice. The European Union’s attention also went to those that were the most vulnerable. Thousands of women had been victims of rapes and sexual violence; this should not become a weapon of war and should never be considered as a collateral damage of a conflict situation.

Children in armed conflicts were particularly victims in the affected areas, suffering from rape and murder. The European Union called on the Democratic Republic of the Congo to put an end to such violence and for the rapid reintegration of children in their society. The European Union also called for the end of all human rights violations. All parties concerned had to respect the ceasefire. The results of the current special session should reflect all these concerns, strengthen the fight against impunity and help to find a political settlement to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ZAMIR AKRAM (Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, said that the Organization of the Islamic Conference had listened carefully to the statements by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, the representative of the Special Procedures, the concerned country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the African Group and the European Union, which had provided an in-depth assessment of the ongoing situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo from different perspectives. The Organization of the Islamic Conference deplored the circumstances that had led to the inability of the Ministerial delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to join the Council in the special session. Presence of the delegation would have given the Council valuable insight to the crisis from their perspective. The situation in Northern Kivu was serious and required the Human Rights Council’s immediate attention. The United Nations Security Council had also expressed its concern on the situation together with a wide range of views expressed by the international community. The Organization of the Islamic Conference joined the international community in expressing its serious concern at the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in Northern Kivu, and called upon all parties to the armed conflict to immediately put an end to the hostilities.

The Organization of the Islamic Conference condemned violations of human rights in all parts of the world, especially the ones directed against individuals in different vulnerable situations, in particular innocent and unarmed civilians, women, children and minorities. They believed that the Human Rights Council, while responding to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, needed to demonstrate the true essence of its constructive engagement. Such an engagement should include a genuine expression of concern over the ongoing human rights violations but should avoid taking sides. Similarly, the approach called for a peaceful end to hostilities with primary focus on promotion and protection of human rights of innocent civilians. In their view, a response emanating from the Council on the situation needed to include a clear denunciation of human rights violations; absolute respect for and protection of the rights of civilians, women, children and other vulnerable sections of the society as well as steps to alleviate their sufferings; strict adherence to the provisions of international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties to the armed conflict; a call to immediately provide respite to the affected areas and communities by allowing unhindered access for humanitarian assistance by the international community; and it should express its fullest support to the efforts made both by the international community and regional mechanisms to address the situation in a peaceful manner.

SWASHPAWAN SINGH (India) said that India had been closely following the developments in and around the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and it was concerned about the resurgence of violence in the region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was a country with which India had close and friendly political relations and emerging multi-faceted economic relations. The Government of India called for the immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region. India supported a political solution to the crisis by means of direct dialogue between the parties concerned. Enhanced human rights protection and humanitarian assistance for all those affected, especially civilians, was an immediate necessity.

PETER GOODERHAM (United Kingdom) said the United Kingdom was deeply concerned about the violence, insecurity and widespread human rights abuses by all parties to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The reports of ill-disciplined Government forces and other armed groups looting and harassing civilians were alarming. The United Kingdom condemned the use of sexual violence. They were shocked by the widespread acts of brutality and forced recruitment, and called on the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take a firmer stance to ensure the protection of civilians. The Government needed to take urgent measures to implement its human rights obligations, and to ensure the Congolese army protected the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo rather than being a source of destabilization for the population. The Congolese authorities were urged to investigate crimes and bring perpetrators to justice, including high profile cases. The international community, including the United Nations system, needed to do more to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo Government in their efforts.

The United Kingdom noted the proceedings before the International Criminal Court on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It welcomed the cooperation that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had so far provided to the International Criminal Court, and the stated commitment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to further combat impunity.

BOUDEWIJN J. VAN EENENNAAM (Netherlands) said that the Netherlands strongly welcomed this special session of the Human Rights Council that would address the current severe human rights violations in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The seriousness and the scale of these abuses needed a strong committed answer from both the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Government and the international community. Only a political solution along the lines of the Nairobi and Goma peace agreements would lead to sustainable peace in the eastern part of the country. The Netherlands urged the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Government to work towards such a political solution. The decision of the Security Council to enhance the capacity of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was also welcomed by the Netherlands. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Government was also urged to invite all seven Special Rapporteurs as soon as possible and, under the current circumstances, it would be useful to also invite the Special Rapporteurs on torture and on extra-judicial killings.

DANTE MARTINELLI (Switzerland) said that once again Switzerland regretted the absence, despite all the efforts of Switzerland, of the Ministers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The resurgence of violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had led to a dramatic deterioration in the humanitarian situation in North Kivu and on human rights. Faced with the urgency and the gravity of the situation, the Human Rights Council had the duty to intervene. The engagement of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was indispensable to rectify the consequences of the spiral of violence. Switzerland welcomed the cooperation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Special Procedures. Following the confrontations in North Kivu, including violence against women, recruitment of child soldiers, more than a million people were fleeing the fighting. Those people needed adequate food and shelter. Switzerland called on all parties to provide health and assistance to the population as quickly as possible without any hindrance. They took note with satisfaction of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s pledge to continue to combat impunity. Switzerland condemned all acts of violence, including sexual violence, particularly for women and young girls. Switzerland called on all factions to apply the Nairobi Agreement. The urgency and gravity of the situation in North Kivu required the Council to send a strong message and Switzerland hoped the discussion would result in a consensus resolution on the situation.

ENCYLA M. SINJELA (Zambia) said that Zambia had followed with keen interest the developments of events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and it was very concerned at the human rights and humanitarian situation there. The displacement and the suffering of innocent civilians could not go unnoticed and should not be allowed to continue. Zambia called upon all parties to the conflict to put the interest of the people first and foremost. The rights of all civilians had to be respected and protected, especially those of women and girls who were raped on a daily basis. Zambia called on the conflicting parties to put aside their personal interests and to cooperate with the initiatives which were aimed at resolving the conflict. Zambia also called upon the international community as a whole to support the initiatives in any way possible.

TERRY CORMIER (Canada) welcomed the initiative by the Council to address the human rights crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The international community was urged to support effective steps to address the grave human rights violations and abuses being perpetrated against the civilian population in the area, especially against women. Canada strongly condemned the recent escalation of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and an increase of violence and insecurity, particularly affecting women. Hostilities needed to cease. Canada called upon all parties and Governments in the region to work towards peace and reconciliation and full respect for human rights.

Further, Canada urged all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. Sufficient stability needed to be created on a priority basis to enable internally displaced persons in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to return to their homes in safety and with dignity. Canada appealed to relevant actors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need. This fundamental principle of humanitarian action was vital to providing life-saving relief and support. To date in 2008, Canada had provided $ 8.4 million in humanitarian assistance to the country, of which $ 5 million was for food aid. Canada was also deeply concerned about the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its use as a tactic in the conflict. In 2006, Canada had contributed $ 15 million to the Sexual Violence Project, an ongoing multilateral initiative led by the United Nations Population Fund.

GIOVANNI CARACCIOLO DI VETRI (Italy) said that grave systematic human rights and humanitarian law violations were taking place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Italy called for an immediate end to all violence and human rights violations. Italy also called for all parties to take every necessary measure in order to reinforce the protection of the civilian population and to combat impunity. Italy also condemned the sexual violence against women, used as a weapon of war and reiterated its support to the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ARCANJO MARIA DO NASCIMENTO (Angola) noted that actions of the rebel forces of the Congrès national pour la défense du people (CNDP) had led to hundreds of deaths, the displacement of thousands of internally displaced persons, recruitment of child soldiers, and an outbreak of cases of violence and rape against women and young girls. Angola was particularly concerned about the situation in Mount Kivu, where there was already an outbreak of disease and shortages of food for the civilian population. In addition, the role of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was central to effectively protect the civilian population against armed attacks by military personnel. Angola urged the Council that the United Nations mandate in the Congo be revised to include in its scope the use of adequate means to protect the civilian population. Angola urged all the parties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to continue their efforts to achieve a peaceful solution. Angola noted that deadlines should not be imposed on the African Group and believed that such impositions were inappropriate and grotesque.

SHINICHI KITAJIMA (Japan) said that the Government of Japan was deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with so many human rights violations being constantly perpetrated, particularly against women and children. Efforts made by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were encouraging. Nevertheless Japan noted that the situation on the ground required further efforts from the Government as well as from the international community. Japan called for all parties involved in the conflict to take measures to protect civilians. But Japan also noted that the Government was responsible for the protection of the civilians. It was urgent to put an immediate end to the armed conflict. It was also extremely important to find a credible political solution for the region. Japan believed that at this stage, it was essential that the Human Rights Council express its concerns over the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in order to send a clear message to the international community.

DRAHOSLAV STEFANEK (Slovakia) said Slovakia was among the Member States of the Human Rights Council that had supported the convening of the special session of the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The present situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was a matter of concern to the international community after a new outbreak of hostilities in August and the Council should not turn a blind eye to it. The recent armed conflict, which had spread throughout North Kivu, left over 250,000 displaced persons and resulted in many causalities among the civilian population. In its unanimously adopted resolution 1843 (2008) on 20 November 2008, the Security Council expressed its extreme concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation and in particular the targeted attacks against civilians, sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers and summary executions. Slovakia studied with the utmost attention the recent report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon of 21 November 2008, presented to the Security Council. The reading of the report was worrisome when it stated that the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and national police elements were responsible for serious human rights violations, including arbitrary executions, rape, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

CARLOS PORTALES (Chile) said that the Human Rights Council had to give its views in a clear manner concerning urgent human rights violations. Chile was convinced of the need to send an unequivocal signal on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war had to be condemned and the efforts of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had to be supported. Also, he said that it was important to act against impunity.

MERCY YVONNE AMOAH (Ghana) said that Ghana was following with concern the unfolding events in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in North Kivu since August 2008. Recent developments had led to a humanitarian situation which had reached unacceptable proportions and which required the urgent attention of the international community and humanitarian organizations. The special session needed to therefore reach concrete decisions to either strengthen existing initiatives to halt the conflict and ongoing violations or lead to specific action aimed at addressing both the short- and long-term problems confronting the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council needed to condemn in no uncertain terms acts of violence against civilians and the violations of international humanitarian law by all armed groups. It needed to call on all parties engaged in the conflict to immediately end the violence against civilians and ensure the protection of the human rights of the civilians in their areas of control. Ghana called, in particular, for an end to the practice of sexual violence against women and girls as a weapon of war, and for the perpetrators of the human rights violations to be brought to justice. There was a need for all parties to also facilitate the establishment of humanitarian corridors which ensured access and the free movement of people, as well as enable humanitarian agencies to provide food, water, medication and shelter.

MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN (Bangladesh) said that Bangladesh was deeply concerned about the conflict that had erupted anew in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which had resulted in the deterioration of the human rights situation on the ground. The situation required the urgent attention of the international community. Bangladesh, as a leading troop contributor to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had been following the developments very closely and looked forward to an immediate ceasefire, pacification of the conflict, protection of the civilians and achievement of a long lasting peace. It was of outmost importance that all parties to the conflict fully respected human rights and humanitarian laws. Unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to the suffering people was of urgent necessity. The Government, neighbouring countries and the international community had to work in concert to achieve peace and stability in the country. The Human Rights Council had to convey a strong message to the protagonists of the conflict and express its deep concern about the declining human rights situation.

MABEL GOMEZ OLIVER (Mexico) said that Mexico considered that the humanitarian crisis in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo required immediate action by the Council. The special session should contribute to bring to effect resolution 1843 and regional initiatives to end the crisis. Also needed was a joint effort by international bodies for effective remedy to the crisis. Mexico hoped that the Human Rights Council intervention would contribute inter alia to the strategy of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mexico also called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with regard to cooperation, to continue collaboration with both State and non-State actors, and the United Nations treaty bodies, with a view to launch efforts to combat impunity and crimes against women and children. Mexico hoped that the Human Rights Council would send a clear and strong message for the protection of human rights in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ANIZAN SITI HAJAR ADNIN (Malaysia) said that Malaysia was deeply concerned with the current hostilities and the ongoing human rights violations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Malaysia urged the Council to make a clear and unequivocal call to all parties to put an end to all hostilities. A long-term solution to the conflict had to be found and the root causes of it had to be addressed. Malaysia was concerned with the plight of thousands of internally displaced people. Malaysia also welcomed the proposal to create humanitarian corridors in order to help the affected population.

HECTOR RAUL PELAEZ (Argentina) said that gross and systematic violations in the eastern province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had been reported, and thus resulted in the special session and consequent action by the Council. Argentina had taken note of condemnations expressed by non-governmental organizations and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on violations of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was therefore urgent to enforce humanitarian rights and the protection of human rights in the country. Resolution 7/20 sought recommendations from various thematic Special Procedures mandates and looked for particular follow up for those in March 2009.

REINHARD SCHWEPPE (Germany) expressed Germany’s satisfaction that the Human Rights Council had finally found an opportunity to address the ongoing grave violations of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Government and the public opinion in Germany were very concerned about and strongly condemned the appalling acts of violence against civilians, in particular women and children, perpetrated by all parties to the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the failure to protect refugees and to grant the access of humanitarian aid. These atrocities had to immediately be stopped. Germany called upon the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all actors to do their utmost to end these grave violations of human rights of which the prevailing climate of impunity was an important root cause.

YURY BOICHENKO (Russian Federation) said that the Russian Federation was concerned about the human rights violations in north Kivu, in particular the impact on the civilian population, the increasing numbers of internally displaced persons, recruitment of child soldiers, and acts of sexual violence against women and girls. The Russian Federation looked forward to the quickest possible stabilization of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Russian Federation hoped, among others, that the Democratic Republic of the Congo met its obligations under the Nairobi Agreement. The Russian Federation believed that the Mission of the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had a responsibility to restore peace in the country.

MARIA NAZARETH FARANI AZEVEDO (Brazil) said that Brazil was deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and felt the Human Rights Council had a central role to play in serious situations like this. For its part, Brazil was hopeful that the present special session would lead the international community towards balanced and results-oriented solutions to the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Such solutions should hinge on the participation of the African Union and of countries within its region, as well as on the support of the international community. In that connection, Brazil supported the efforts of the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, former President Obasanjo, the African Union, the South African Development Community and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the search for a peaceful solution and the respect to human rights and humanitarian law. The Council should also support the activities of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the reinforcement of the field presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

A call to all parties involved; the recognition of the efforts of the African region; the firm commitment to combat human rights violation; the improvement of the living conditions of the people on the ground – those were, in Brazil's view, essential elements for a lasting peace and full respect for human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Brazil also felt they should reflect on the root causes of the current situation and on the means used to perpetrate the human rights abuses listed in the intervention of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. That might not be the mandate of this session, but it was their moral obligation.

AHMED MOHAMED ABRO (Djibouti) said that Djibouti welcomed the holding of this special session and also the prompt and constructive response of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo which had attempted to send a high-level delegation. Djibouti however regretted that this delegation was not present today because of a visa problem, as they could have given important information on the underlying reasons for the many human rights violations in the east of the country. Djibouti urged the United Nations to continue to provide consistent broad support to the peace process; it also supported the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy to bring about an effective ceasefire. Inertia and passiveness were unjustified in the face of this dramatic situation.

JORGE A. FERRER RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) said that Cuba had followed very carefully the events that were taking place in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This was without a doubt a complex and delicate conflict and had its roots in colonialism. Nevertheless, this could not be solved with punitive approaches which did not take into account the view point of the Government. A solution needed a strategy for cooperation with the international community to overcome poverty and provide for sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Any further sanctions imposed on the Democratic Republic of the Congo would hinder gravely the already serious situation in the country. This solution needed to be achieved without any prejudice or hindrance of human rights.

ALEJANDRO ARTUCIO RODRIGUEZ (Uruguay) said that Uruguay knew well the current situation on the ground in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of the Congo, as it had an important contingent of troops under the umbrella of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to which the international community had entrusted the task of assuring peace and security to the population. The role of the Human Rights Council had to be on the side of victims. In that connection, Uruguay condemned the summary executions, the sexual violence, the destruction of villages, the forced displacement of civilians, the recruitment of child soldiers by the combating parties and all other violations of human rights.

Uruguay felt that the Council had to urge the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to accept visits by as many as possible human rights mechanisms and mandate holders, to whom free and safe travel throughout the territory had to be guaranteed. Uruguay also requested the Government to facilitate and authorize well-known humanitarian players in order to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population, and to establish humanitarian corridors so that persons, food and medicines could transit through them. Lastly, Uruguay would continue to give its decisive support to a ceasefire and mediation or approximation activities that could be carried out by the Secretary-General, the African Union, various Governments and also the Human Rights Council.

LI BAODONG (China) expressed China’s regret over the fact that the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo could not be present at this special session, because they had not had enough time to get their visas. China was extremely concerned over the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and supported the mediation efforts by the United Nations and the European Union. Judging from the current situation, a long process was needed in order to settle the situation and to effectively implement all signed agreements. China also appreciated the Government’s constructive attitude. China had been supportive of the peacekeeping process since the beginning. During China’s presidency in the Security Council last October, they had actively facilitated discussions on this matter. China was ready to work together with the whole international community on the issue, in order to achieve a long lasting peace in the region.

GUSTI AGUNG WESAKA PUJA (Indonesia) said Indonesia was deeply concerned with the evolving human rights situation in northern Kivu, and was of the view that the situation merited serious and immediate attention. Indonesia called on all parties to this armed conflict to cease further hostilities and refrain from continuing further violations of human rights. Indonesia welcomed the ongoing efforts undertaken by the United Nations Security Council and other parties such as the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the African Union, the South African Development Community as well as the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the concerned State, to bring about a political solution and to restore peace and stability. Indonesia welcomed a consensual outcome of the special session. In addition, Indonesia conveyed praise to all Member States and regional groups who had committed their time and efforts in addressing the issue at hand in good faith and a constructive manner.

GLAUDINE J. MTSHALI (South Africa) said that South Africa reiterated the leading role that African regional and sub-regional organizations were making to find a solution to the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. South Africa deplored the indiscriminate violence being perpetrated in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular against women and children. The unfortunate role of external actors participating in illegal activities, such as arms smuggling and exploitation of natural resources, also had to be recognized as they had a role in fuelling this conflict as well. There was also an urgent need to bring humanitarian aid to those suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and this also had to receive urgent attention. The quick organization for the holding of this session, which had not allowed participation of high-level actors from the country most closely concerned, should not be wasted. South Africa called on donor countries to work with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to restore peace in the region.

IM HAN-TAEK (Republic of Korea) said that the Republic of Korea welcomed this very timely holding of the eight special session of the Human Rights Council. The Republic of Korea shared a high sense of urgency with the international community and had had no hesitation in backing the initiative to call this session. Reports on violations of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo such as rapes, forced recruitments of children by armed groups, deliberate killings of civilians, extensive looting, and also the miserable situation of internally displaced persons were hideous. The Republic of Korea also firmly believed that the Council had to address these gross violations. It was high time that the Council sent a clear and strong message to the international community to mobilize all the necessary measures to help redress the situation urgently.

IFEANYI E. NWOSU (Nigeria) said that Nigeria was deeply concerned about the deterioration of human rights and the humanitarian situation in Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nigeria condemned outright all acts of violations of human rights, particularly against women, girls and children since the resumption of hostilities. Nigeria called on all concerned parties to cease hostilities and comply with international laws and obligations to protect civilian populations and provide access to humanitarian assistance for affected populations. Nigeria strongly supported the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy and former President of Nigeria and the African Union in search of political solutions to restore peace and security to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Great Lakes region. Nigeria firmly believed that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo needed to be strengthened to enable it to better protect the civilian population and restore peace and stability. Nigeria also called upon the international community to address the roots causes of the conflict and to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo to address and resolve the conflict and other emerging issues in collaboration with on-going efforts of the African Union on the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

MAYSA URENA MENACHO (Bolivia) said that Bolivia was deeply concerned about the renewed violence between different groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that cruelly affected the civilian population, in particular women and children. The Human Rights Council had the responsibility to promote universal respect for the protection of all human rights, as well as to respond promptly to emergency situations. Bolivia considered that apart from all the diplomatic efforts taking place multilaterally, they needed to make efforts to address the root causes of the problem and to look to find solutions via economic cooperation to strengthen projects in the areas of health, education, development and others which would allow the Congolese population to build its own security. If only a small part of the $ 4 billion that had been pledged to save banking institutions was put towards implementation of development projects for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they could quickly improve the situation and save lives instead of saving banks.

ANDREJ LOGAR (Slovenia) said that Slovenia was deeply concerned about the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the ongoing human rights violations there. Children and women were facing a proliferation of abuses. Slovenia particularly condemned the widespread use of rape as a weapon of war. Due to the massive displacement of people, many children had been separated from their parents or caregivers. Slovenia expected this Council to demand that an end be put to the widespread violence against women and that perpetrators be brought to justice.

BENTE ANGELL-HANSEN (Norway) welcomed the special session on the situation of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the efforts by the African Group in the session. Norway was deeply concerned about the recent developments in the Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The renewed heavy fighting over the past several weeks had had a devastating impact on the civilian population. Norway had witnessed new massive displacements and continued to receive highly disturbing reports about violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including sexual and gender based violence, summary executions, looting and use of children in armed forces or groups. The fighting needed to stop, civilians needed to be protected and the humanitarian agencies needed to be respected. Norway supported the efforts by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, former President Obasanjo, and his team, both politically and financially. Norway urged all parties to fully cooperate with him to find sustainable political solutions to the crisis. Norway also urged the Government to hold perpetrators of past and ongoing serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law accountable and to continue and reinforce its cooperation with the International Criminal Court. Further, the root causes of the conflict needed to be addressed, including through improving international efforts to stop illicit exploitation of natural resources. A key issue in this regard was ensuring full transparency in the extractive industries, including through implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

GUY O'BRIEN (Australia) joined with others in expressing deep concern about the current situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Australia was particularly alarmed at the reports of killing of civilians in the context of the fighting, and joined the United Nations Secretary-General in calling for an end to such practices as sexual violence and the recruitment of child soldiers. Australia supported the efforts of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in bringing peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and welcomed the Security Council’s decision to reinforce those troops. Australia reiterated its support for the Nairobi meeting which had called, specifically, for an immediate ceasefire, the establishment of humanitarian corridors and the re-establishing of peace agreements already agreed. Australia was pleased that it had been able to provide humanitarian assistance to those in the region.

ARNOLD SKIBSTED (Denmark) said that Denmark strongly agreed with the need for calling this special session. Denmark supported all efforts in the search of a political solution undertaken by the Secretary-General and his Special-Envoy Olusegun Obasanjo. A political solution was the only way to restore sustainable peace and stability in the region within the Goma and Nairobi processes. Denmark was also deeply concerned about the ongoing violations of human rights and the aggravated humanitarian situation for thousands of displaced persons. Widespread sexual violence, including rape, had reached catastrophic levels. These atrocities had to stop immediately. Denmark was furthermore concerned about reports of ongoing and systematic forced recruitment of children by armed groups. Denmark called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to fully collaborate with the international mechanisms in order to ensure that crimes were duly investigated. Human rights violations and impunity from various crimes had far too long been the order of the day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

HUBERTUS MATHEUS VAN MEGEN (Holy See) said the daily reports on human suffering in the north Kivu area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were deeply troubling. Death, rape, lootings, forced recruitment and displacement of civilian population had become a daily reality in the country. The international community could not stand by idle and needed to speak out clearly. In fact, with a view on the growing consensus behind the responsibility to protect, it was of utmost importance for the international community to restore the rule of law and to search for the common good. The Holy See condemned the large-scale occurrence of serious violations of human rights and of humanitarian law. It deplored the recruitment of children and adolescents as soldiers. It was alarmed by the many cases of torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, including the frequent occurrence of sexual violence against women and girls by all parties to the conflict. The international community needed to act swiftly in the face of those grave infringements of human rights. Moreover, the Holy See denounced the illicit trade of weapons, and in particular of small arms and light weapons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They increased the intensity of violence and threatened the life and the integrity of an unacceptable number of innocent people. The Congolese Bishops issued a statement saying that the Congolese people “were living through a genuine human tragedy that, as a silent genocide was being carried out under everyone’s eyes”.

DAITHI O CEALLAIGH (Ireland) said that, in the context of the horrific conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ireland was particularly shocked by the reports of appalling and widespread sexual violence against women and girls, and the indiscriminate killing of civilians, as perpetrated by armed groups from all sides. Ireland strongly urged the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to make renewed efforts to bring peace to the east of the country and supported the efforts of United Nations Special Envoy Olusegun Obasanjo and the African Union Co-Facilitator Benjamin Mkapa to work with parties to that end. Ireland also urged Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to continue to work together to implement the Nairobi agreement on tackling the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR), as that would contribute significantly to restoring stability to the region. Moreover, the International Criminal Court should pursue tirelessly those who had committed war crimes or who had coerced children into becoming soldiers. Finally, Ireland remained ready to assist the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with humanitarian aid, and it had already provided 12 million euros for that purpose in 2008.

EDGAR GARCIA DE PAREDES CARLES (Panama) said that all were aware of the negative impact of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Panama had supported the convening of this Special Session, because they believed it was the responsibility of the United Nations and of the Human Rights Council to sensitize States to protect human rights in times of conflict. Three days ago, they had celebrated the international day for the elimination of all forms of violence against women. For Panama, the Human Rights Council had to recall to States their responsibility in the prevention of violence, to bring perpetrators to justice and to help victims.

HANNU HIMANEN (Finland) said the convening of the special session was timely and necessary. Finland was extremely alarmed about the recent events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular the wide-spread sexual violence that was practised especially in the eastern part of the country. There were indications that sexual violence was systematically used as a weapon of war. In this regard, Finland recalled the statement made in May 2008 by Major General Patrick Cammaert, former United Nations Deputy Force Commander, when he described the situation in eastern Congo as follows: “It was more dangerous to be a woman than to be a soldier right now”. Finland appreciated the work that the United Nations system was doing through action against sexual violence. At the same time, Finland acknowledged that much remained to be done by all actors. The United Nations Security Council resolution 1820 had called for the “immediate and complete cessation by all parties to armed conflict of all acts of sexual violence against civilians”. Furthermore, through Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, Finland enjoined to ensure that women should be active participants in peace processes. Also, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo genuine efforts should be made to ensure that women were part of resolving the conflict. Stopping the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo needed to be the immediate aim of the Council.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) said Algeria entirely shared the position expressed by the Council’s President at the opening of the session that the Council should be just and equitable in dealing with violations of human rights wherever they were carried out. Algeria therefore had some hesitation in singling out as violators only the armed forces and the police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Algeria and all other African countries had been particularly concerned and had registered their astonishment at the arrangement of this special session by 16 non-African countries, without any coordination with the region concerned, Africa. It was entirely "grotesque" to establish a special session on 28 November and refusing the request to put it off until next week, thus preventing ministers from the country concerned to be able to participate. It was also important for the Council to avoid any action that might interfere with efforts deployed by competent regional and international instances to arrive at a rapid solution to the current crisis in the country. In that context, Algeria believed that invitations from sovereign countries to accept visits by Special Procedures mandate holders were not an obligation. Furthermore, the Council should not use the present crisis as a pretext to settle policy issues on amnesty and the responsibility to protect, which should be debated in another context. Finally, Algeria highlighted what had been said by the High Commissioner and by Special Rapporteur Castillo – that a lasting solution to the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo required the eradication of the root causes of the crisis, including the illicit attempts to appropriate the natural resources of the country.

JOHN UKEC LUETH UKEC (Sudan) said that it was important to let concerned Governments constructively take part in the discussions of events happening in their own country. Sudan was hurt by the way the African Group’s request to postpone this session had been kicked back. Sudan called on the Council to support the initiative of the African Group and to listen to the concerned country. Also, in their view, the root cause of the conflict was the rebellion, and human rights violations could be resolved by dealing with this root cause. The Human Rights Council should thus also deal with the rebel group and countries should not harbour them in capitals, like some countries were doing.

AHARON LESHNO-YAAR (Israel) said that this special session was long overdue; however, it was never too late to examine the gross human rights violations being perpetuated against the civilian population in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Israel echoed the concerns expressed by others, and the alarm conveyed by the Secretary-General earlier this week, at the rapidly deteriorating circumstances in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reports of rampant sexual violence, the recruitment of child soldiers, and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of refugees must be an impetus for the Council to act. The integrity of the Council and its future course of action were to be determined by its response to the crisis discussed. Israel was one of the first countries to send humanitarian assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was obvious that the sheer scale of the crisis required a significant coordinated response by the international community, and Israel remained committed to playing a continuing role in this regard. Israel fervently believed that the Human Rights Council needed to respond to the tragedy unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was imperative that the resolution adopted should be constructive, focused, and most importantly, that it accurately reflected the severity of the circumstances facing Congolese civilians today.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC08109E