Mr. President, thank you for convening today’s meeting and thank you to Special Representative Zerrougui and ambassador Abarry, for their valuable insights.
I’d like to begin by commending the actions of MONUSCO that have enabled the protection of civilians and the continuation of DDR programs despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased violence in Eastern DRC. Many armed groups have not responded to the call for a global ceasefire and continue their attacks. This violence will continue to require a rapid robust and effective response from MONUSCO, in particular from its quick reaction force and force intervention brigades, together with FARDC.
MONUSCO is reporting a significant increase in the number of human rights abuses and violations which reached 2140 last quarter. This highlights the challenges facing the mission and possible plans towards its exit from DRC. The gradual transfer of MONUSCO’s responsibilities has to ensure that there are no setbacks in the progress made; it must not undermine the safety and security of the people of Congo. The development of the joint transition strategy and its benchmarks must be conducted together with the main humanitarian partners, and other international and national civil society organizations. This would help ensure that the strategies and activities of various stakeholders are aligned and the activities supported by MONUSCO will not be disrupted. Strong cooperation with Congolese authorities must tackle the large amount of human rights violations which remains a significant problem. 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. Strengthening of rule-of-law and of justice institutions is a critical component of efforts addressing the root causes of conflict.
Madame. President,
The challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo remain numerous and diverse: armed group violence and its links to the illicit trade of natural resources; Floods, the Ebola Virus now in Western Congo and also the pandemic of COVID-19. 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.