Human Rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and strengthening of technical cooperation and consultative services
Explanation of Position
March 26, 2010
Delivered by Mark Cassayre
United Nations Human Rights Council, 13th Session
Mr. President.
The United States supports the Council’s expression of concern about the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, its call upon the government to respect human rights law and international humanitarian law, and the renewal of the mandate of the seven thematic special procedures. The Council must try to help improve the situation of the people of the DRC, including achieving progress in combating impunity, and we believe that technical assistance is key to success on the ground. We believe the Council could have created a more effective mechanism, such as an Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
That said, we fully support the Council’s efforts to develop innovative tools that can lead to concrete improvements on the ground. It is our sincere hope that the Government’s development of an implementation plan, with the assistance of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the thematic special mechanisms, can help improve the situation on the ground. We look forward to the government’s cooperation in this regard.
It is our understanding that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights may start immediately on developing and implementing an action plan as envisaged in the resolution, and we hope that the report requested for the 16th session will provide a summary of the plan and what steps have been taken toward its implementation.
We also welcome the explanations provided during the course of negotiations that the seven special procedures may appoint a coordinator among them to improve the functioning of their work and cooperation with the Government.
Thank you, Mr. President.