The UK condemned the escalating humanitarian situation in the DRC due to the M23 offensive and Rwandan interventions. In a statement at the UN Human Rights Council, Simon Manley urged for humanitarian access, highlighted the severe sexual violence crisis, and called for investigations and accountability.
The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, opened the UN Human Rights Council Special Session on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He commended the efforts of the Minister and Ambassador for organizing the session, which has garnered significant support from various African nations. Manley emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC has been overlooked for too long, expressing condemnation of the recent offensives by M23 and the Rwandan Defence Forces, which have exacerbated the dire humanitarian conditions.
The UN Human Rights Council convened this special session to address the deteriorating human rights situation and the humanitarian crisis in the east of the DRC. The ongoing conflict has led to increased violence and instability in the region, drawing international attention to the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and protection of vulnerable populations, particularly regarding the alarming rates of sexual and gender-based violence that have affected countless women.
In conclusion, the UK strongly advocates for all parties involved in the DRC conflict to facilitate humanitarian support and to ensure the safety and security of affected individuals. The UK calls on M23 and Rwanda to take immediate action to reopen Goma airport, enabling the delivery of much-needed aid. This session underlines the necessity for a collective response to the ongoing violations of human rights and a commitment to accountability.
Original Source: www.gov.uk
