36th Session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
on situation of human rights
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mr. President,
The Czech Republic supports the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union.
We thank the High Commissioner for his recent report on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
We appreciate the positive development regarding the Government’s effort to tackle sexual violence or to improve the protection of human rights defenders.
At the same time the report clearly states that the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is still deteriorating. Massive human rights violations are perpetrated by the state security forces, by the armed militia and by other non-state actors. The main victims remain the same – the civilian population. Violence must be stopped and those responsible must be brought to national or international justice.
The Czech Republic urges all stakeholders to implement the December 2016 agreement and prepare delayed general elections. We call on the Government to immediately publish the election calendar and implement recommendations of election observation missions participating in 2011 elections. The Czech Republic stands ready to contribute with its election observers to monitor the upcoming elections.
The Czech Republic supports further active engagement of the Office of the High Commissioner in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and investigation of independent experts in the Kasai region. We call on the Government to fully cooperate with the Office and with the experts.
Thank you, Mr. President.