UK Statement for the Item 10 Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral update by the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Madame Vice President.
The UK thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for her update on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the challenges and concerns that she has raised. We urge the DRC government to engage with these.
The UK remains gravely concerned by the situation in eastern DRC, where the security and human rights situation continues to deteriorate, driven by M23's advances with the support of the Rwanda Defence Force.
Intensifying armed conflict has displaced more than 5 million people, and widespread human rights abuses and violations are being committed by all parties to the conflict. We remain particularly concerned by the scale of conflict-related sexual violence. We remind all parties of their obligations under international law to hold perpetrators to account.
At the same time, humanitarian workers face unprecedent obstacles. We urge all parties to allow full and unhindered humanitarian access.
The UK calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately respect the ceasefire, return to the negotiating table and implement their commitments under the Doha Framework and Washington Accords.
Thank you.
