“Discovering the report of the United Nations group of experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo”
In a context marked by a deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the European Union (EU) expresses its deep concern at the conclusions of the final report of the United Nations group of experts mandated by the DRC Sanctions Committee. In this report, the group of experts sheds light on the atrocities committed by different armed groups and underlines the urgency of taking measures to end impunity and ensure justice for the victims.
The EU strongly supports the recommendations made by the expert group and welcomes the extension of its mandate by the UN Security Council. It condemns the levels of violence and atrocities perpetrated with complete impunity against civilians, in particular by the rebel group M23, the FDLR/FOCA, the ADF, the CODECO-URDPC group and Zaire/MAPI. Reports of massive sexual violence against women and girls, as well as the recruitment of children, are causing deep consternation across the EU.
Faced with this situation, the EU calls on all armed groups to put an end to unlawful killings, rapes and other alleged war crimes. It calls for all those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law to be brought to justice and held accountable for their actions. The EU also welcomes the decision of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to examine the acts committed in North Kivu, in response to a request from the Congolese authorities.
The situation in the DRC is worrying and requires urgent action to put an end to the violence and the suffering of the civilian population. The EU remains committed to supporting efforts to restore security and promote justice and human rights in the country. It calls on the international community to strengthen its cooperation and support for the DRC, in order to contribute to a lasting resolution of the crisis.
In conclusion, the report of the United Nations group of experts on the DRC highlights the immense security and humanitarian challenges facing the country. The EU calls for concerted action to end the atrocities and prosecute those responsible. The stability and well-being of the Congolese people depend on these collective efforts, in order to build a better future for all