Summary: EU Presidency Re-Introduction Statement - Human Rights in the DRC (23 November 2005: New York)
EU Presidency Re-Introduction Statement on the SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, by the UK Mission to the UN on behalf of the European Union, UN General Assembly, Third Committee, New York
Mr Chairperson,
I would like to add the additional co-sponsors: Canada, Bulgaria, Monaco and the Republic of Moldova and Japan to those listed in L.41/Rev.1.
On behalf of the European Union and all co-sponsors of the draft resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo contained in document L.41, I would like to thank all delegations for their input to the text.
First and foremost, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as other interested delegations, with whom the main sponsors have engaged in an intensive, constructive and amicable dialogue. The rev.1 version of the resolution we are about to adopt is the result of those lengthy discussions. The text contains numerous amendments that we have taken on board and a number of compromises made by all sides. The European Union would like
to express its gratitude for the flexibility and willingness of all parties to co-operate, and in particular, the willingness of the DRC to set itself clear goals for the improvement of human rights in the country.
Mr Chairperson, as we said in our introductory statement to L.41, the European Union welcomes the measures taken by the Transitional Government of the DRC to achieve stability and peace in the country. We also welcome the substantial progress that has been made towards the adoption of a new Constitution in
December and the holding of elections in 2006. This process is vital to the lasting stability of the DRC.
Despite progress made in the political process, the European Union remains deeply concerned about the ongoing situation of human rights in the DRC. In particular, ongoing abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly in the eastern part of the DRC remain a matter of grave concern. The use of armed violence and reprisals against civilians and sexual violence against women and children - including in situations where such practices are used as a weapon of war - are
horrific and deserve our joint condemnation.
The resolution calls on the Transitional Government, armed groups, in particular in the eastern DRC, governments of countries in the region and the international community to take urgent steps which will assist the Transitional Government in better promoting and protecting the human rights of its citizens, put an end to impunity in the DRC for past crimes, and secure the transition to a sustainable democratic future.
Mr Chairperson,
This resolution is being tabled with the agreement, co-operation and support of the DRC. Our aim has been, as ever, to reach a consensus on this resolution with both the DRC and all interested parties. This desire has, this year, been clearly shared by all parties to the discussions.
Mr Chairperson,
Despite these intensive negotiations and the concessions made by all parties to achieve a consensus, we deeply regret that we has not been able to reach a full consensus on all aspects of the text, with all parties. We understand that these issues are few and relatively minor. We hope that parties with outstanding issues can reconsider and take into account the positive message that a consensus text would send.
We urge all Member States, in the event of a vote on aspects of the text, or all of the text, to support this resolution.
Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
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