The UK has voiced serious concerns over ongoing human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, calling attention to the humanitarian crisis in the eastern regions, the troubling conditions in Makala prison, and the reinstatement of the death penalty. The UK advocates for international support to help the DRC improve access to justice and accountability for human rights abuses, all while welcoming the Angolan-led ceasefire and the continued Luanda engagement.
The United Kingdom has expressed profound concern regarding the ongoing human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue at the UN Human Rights Council. Addressing the assembly, UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders highlighted the positive development of the ceasefire brokered by Angola and emphasized the importance of further political engagement in the Luanda process. Ambassador Sanders articulated that the humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC is particularly dire, with grave implications for civilians, including women and children, who are facing severe human rights challenges. The UK condemned the attacks on camps for internally displaced persons and criticized the military positioning of artillery nearby. The recent incidents at Makala prison were described as shocking, prompting a call for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into these occurrences, alongside a pressing need to address the issues of overcrowding and the rights of female inmates. Furthermore, the UK urged the DRC government to annul the reinstated death penalty amidst grave concerns regarding the number of death sentences issued following the events of May 19. While denouncing these circumstances, the UK implored the DRC to reconsider its stance on capital punishment. Ambassador Sanders concluded by inquiring how the international community might assist the DRC in enhancing access to justice for victims of human rights violations and achieving accountability for those responsible for such abuses.
The statement delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, during the UN Human Rights Council serves to highlight ongoing human rights issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC has faced a history of instability and conflict, exacerbating the human rights situation, particularly in the eastern regions where armed groups often target civilians. The recent reinstatement of the death penalty and reports of human rights abuses, including conditions in prisons, have raised significant concerns among international observers, prompting countries like the UK to call for reforms and accountability measures.
The UK statement at the UN Human Rights Council firmly condemns the ongoing human rights violations in the DRC, calls for the revocation of the death penalty, and highlights the dire humanitarian situation, especially in the east. It advocates for international support to strengthen the DRC’s judicial system and ensure accountability for human rights abusers. The engagement in the Luanda process represents a crucial opportunity for the DRC to achieve lasting peace and address these urgent human rights concerns.
Original Source: www.gov.uk
