April 19, 2024
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk speaks at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.© Salvatore Di Nolfi/' KEYSTONE / SALVATORE DI NOLFI
Cited article by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights
HRRC highlights the notion that support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo is crucial to ensure the improvement of human rights practices and alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the country.
News Brief
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk recently concluded his official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), expressing gratitude for the cooperation with the government and partners. Türk highlighted the vastness of the nation, rich in natural resources, yet plagued by poverty due to numerous and complex human rights challenges. He particularly emphasized the dire situation in the eastern provinces, where conflict has left populations exhausted and traumatized, with armed groups like M23 and ADF terrorizing civilians, leading to mass displacement and gross human rights abuses.
During his visit to internally displaced people camps, Türk witnessed firsthand the desperation for help and support among the affected populations. He stressed the imperative for the state to enforce security, provide essential services, and ensure access to justice. Türk also called on countries supporting armed groups to end their involvement and emphasized the responsibility of all actors, including businesses benefiting from the DRC's resources, to prioritize the well-being of the Congolese people. He highlighted the importance of social cohesion, protection of human rights defenders, and strengthening the social contract between the people and the government for the country's advancement.