76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council open meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Statement by Ambassador Sven Jürgenson
December 6, New York
I join others in thanking the Special Representative for her briefing. I also thank the Permanent Representative of the Niger as the Chair of the Security Council Committee concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo for his insightful overview. I welcome the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ms Kalala for joining us today.
As this is the concluding meeting on MONUSCO for Estonia as the member of the Security Council, I would like to take this opportunity to share the key messages that would empower the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its efforts to re-establish the peace, stability and security in the region and in the country.
Firstly, we underscore the positive results of the Congolese Government in maintaining the political stability and further commitments in facilitating electoral reforms ahead of the 2023 elections. It is important that the Congolese Government maintains this momentum in making further efforts in ensuring credible, inclusive and peaceful elections with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.
Secondly, we take note that during our membership at the Security Council, the level of insecurity in the eastern provinces has not shown improvements, in spite of the declaration and regular extension of the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri for the last seven months. In this connection, we encourage the Congolese Government to pay due attention to the identified flaws in the assessment of the state of siege and ensure transparent coordination of all forces on the ground to guarantee the compliance with the international human rights and humanitarian law obligations.
Thirdly, the human rights violations and abuses, accompanied by the conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by both – armed groups and State agents, long characterizes the daily life of women and children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is often said that the children are our future, but one can only imagine the future that will be shaped by children who undergo grave violations and forced recruitment in armed conflict. We believe that the first trial in South Kivu involving charges of recruitment and use of children will give further impetus in addressing the accountability and fight against impunity.
In conclusion, we welcome the continued engagement by the Special Representative with the Congolese Government, MONUSCO and the international stakeholders on the implementation of the Transition Plan that gives prospects for sustainable transition process. We believe the implementation of this Plan should ensure equal opportunities for all stakeholders, including humanitarian actors, civil society, women and youth.
Finally, I would like to thank MONUSCO peacekeepers and the UN personnel for your service and sacrifices, and to express our unwavering support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its people for a better future.
Thank you!