Canadian Ambassador Maryse Guilbault and Norwegian Ambassador Odd Molster recently expressed their satisfaction with the progress made by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in combating the recruitment of children by armed groups and preventing sexual violence. During a meeting in Kinshasa, the two diplomats welcomed the efforts made by Congolese authorities to protect the rights of children affected by armed conflict, particularly in the east of the country.
The discussions provided an opportunity to assess the actions taken so far by the DRC to prevent children from being used by armed groups. In the presence of dignitaries such as the President of the High Military Court, ambassadors accredited to the DRC, as well as representatives of UNICEF and experts, recommendations were made to strengthen the protection of children’s rights and combat these unacceptable practices.
At the end of this meeting, the Norwegian and Canadian ambassadors welcomed the progress made by the Congolese government in this area of action. Odd Molster stressed that progress had been made and was optimistic about the actions to be taken. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a constant dialogue with the government and organizations on the ground to support existing programs.
For her part, Maryse Guilbault affirmed that the international community stood alongside the Congolese government to support it in its efforts to resolve the problems of children victims of violence in eastern DRC. The discussions were constructive and many actors involved in child protection participated in this meeting, thus demonstrating the importance given to this crucial issue.
Ultimately, it is clear that the fight against the recruitment of children by armed groups and the prevention of sexual violence against children remain major issues in the DRC. The path to effective protection of children’s rights is fraught with challenges, but international collaboration and the commitment of the Congolese authorities offer encouraging prospects for a better future for these young victims.