HRC58 - NB8 statement - Situation of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Human Rights Council - 58th Session
Item 10: Situation of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Statement by Sweden on the behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states
1 April 2025
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Thank you, High Commissioner, and Team of International Experts for your update.
We remain deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC. We reiterate that the M23 must withdraw immediately from all areas under its control. Rwanda’s military, whose presence in the DRC violates international law, must withdraw fully from the territory of the DRC. We also urge the DRC to cease its operation with the FDLR and other armed groups.
We commend the ongoing regional initiatives for political dialogue and urge all parties to participate in these negotiations in good faith. There can be no military solution to the conflict.
We are alarmed by reports of wide-spread violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual and gender-based violence, the recruitment of child soldiers and extrajudicial executions.
All parties must prioritize protection of civilians, ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Lastly, we are following the developments in the appeals trial of the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp in 2017. We stress the importance of accountability.
High Commissioner, how can the international community contribute to the implementation of the ceasefire and protection of civilians and human rights?