Human Rights Council 37th session (26 February – 23 March 2018)
Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Statement by Ireland
20th March 2018
Ireland aligns with the statement of the European Union and adds the following
Mr President,
Ireland thanks the Assistant Secretary-General for his presentation and oral update on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ireland is deeply concerned at the ongoing serious violence and human rights abuses in the country. We deplore the ongoing recruitment of child soldiers and recent attacks on schools and hospitals in the Kasai region in particular.
Ireland welcomes the investigations of conflict-related gang-rape cases initiated by the judicial authorities of Tanganyika Province, and calls on the Government to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice while recognising that more needs to be done to prevent pervasive and wide-spread gender based violence.
Ireland remains concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation and the high and growing number of internally displaced people. We call on the Government to guarantee the rights of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable such as IDPs, and to build a peaceful environment which is conducive to the voluntary return of both displaced populations and refugees.
Finally, Ireland welcomes the commitment to hold elections in December 2018, and urges the Government to put in place the conditions necessary for free and fair elections within this deadline in line with the spirit of the 31st December agreement. In this context, it is essential that the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are upheld by the Government.
Thank you.
