Mr. President, thank you for convening today’s meeting. I would also like to thank Special Representative Zerrougui for her valuable insights.
Mr. President, over the last few weeks, members of the Security Council have received several briefings on the developments in Eastern Congo, from OCHA, the Red Cross and others. Regrettably, similar to what we heard today, the message has been that the situation on the ground is not improving. Security in the eastern provinces is deteriorating together with the humanitarian situation. The number of human rights violations and abuses keeps increasing. The number of IDPs has surpassed 5 million, the number of people suffering from food insecurity is reaching 10 million and more than 1300 civilians have been killed in the last 6 months alone. I join the Secretary General in condemning in the strongest terms the continued attacks on civilians, including humanitarian workers by armed groups.
It is also regrettable to witness that a large number of human rights violations continue to be perpetrated by State security forces. Accountability for such violations must be established in order to avoid the prevalence of a culture of impunity and build trust in the country’s security forces. As I have mentioned before, strengthening rule-of-law and justice institutions is a critical component in efforts addressing the root causes of conflict.
Mr. President, as we discuss here the future of MONUSCO, it is important to keep in mind the challenges facing the mission and the DRC and the multitude of responsibilities that the mission currently carries: protecting civilians, advancing Women Peace and Security, addressing violations against children, supporting Security Sector Reform and community-based DDR, to name a few. A refocusing of MONUSCO and a gradual transfer of its responsibilities has to ensure that there are no setbacks in the progress made.
The drawdown of mission activities in different regions should be phased and should follow related benchmarks. Its timelines should be flexible and be adjusted to developments on the ground. The government of DRC and the UN country team must be ready and able to fill the gaps created by the refocusing of MONUSCO. This would be further improved by including the main humanitarian partners and other international and national civil society organizations in the development and implementation of the Joint Strategy.
Mr. President, I’d like to end my statement by commending MONUSCO, the Congolese authorities and all partners for their continued commitment to establishing peace in the country. Thank you.
