The United Kingdom reaffirms its support for the Expert Team's work and welcomes the oral update.
We strongly welcome President Tshisekedi's commitment to strengthening democracy, tackling insecurity and delivering progress on much-needed human rights reforms. However, we remain concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The UK remains concerned by reports of continuing human rights violations and abuses, perpetrated by armed groups and by state agents, who frequently act with impunity. In this regard, the UK welcomes the conviction of former militia leader Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity in November 2020.
The UK encourages DRC to continue its efforts to improve the human rights situation by taking steps to: ensure respect for political and civil liberties, implement security sector reforms, address the drivers that sustain armed groups, and tackle impunity. The UK remains fully committed to supporting efforts to build long-term peace and stability in DRC.
Madam High Commissioner,
How can human rights most effectively be monitored and protected in the context of peacekeeping transition. Can we draw on any lessons learned from operations in the Kasais?
Thank you.
