YouSaid · the spoken record

Malenga

lines on the record: 58
first: 2012-02-07
most recent: 2018-07-09
sittings or episodes: 6
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Raising funds for this important component of traditional DDR - DDR children - is vital because a total of 5,331 children under the age of 18 associated with armed forces or groups have already been reunited with their families and are awaiting reintegration into school or training for work. As long as armed groups remain active, the situation will continue. That is why my Government remains determined to continue its efforts to completely neutralize them and put an end to the phenomenon. I cannot conclude without expressing my country's gratitude to the United Nations and to several international partners who continue to support our efforts in the struggle to end the recruitment and use of children.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“They have bolstered measures to verify the age of FARDC recruits by the Ministry of National Defence and Veterans Reintegration, supported by child protection partners, before recruits enter training centres. Out of 2,850 verified recruits, 70 children have been separated and returned to their communities. The coordination of actions and activities to foster the DDR of children is done through monthly meetings that bring together the local offices of the European Union's national DDR programme and child protection actors at several levels - at the central level, with UNICEF and partners such as the Reseau des Jeunes et Enfants de la Rue and Save the Children, and the children's DDR focal point; at the ministerial level, with the Joint Technical Working Group; and at local level, with the Child Protection Working Group.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Three training workshops on operational standards for child age assessment have been held this year, in Kisangani from 13 to 20 February, in Kitona from 26 to 30 March and in Kinshasa from 21 to 23 March. They were organized for FARDC officers, provincial police officers and members of the security forces, as well as child protection agencies and the Reseau Communautaire de Protection de l'Enfant. Such activities, conducted with logistical support from MONUSCO, have also made it possible to strengthen the capacities of those involved in protection with regard to various humanitarian rights issues in time of conflict, gender issues, the responsibility of a troop commander, and techniques for protecting children, schools and hospitals.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“A total of 1,500 exit certificates were issued by the European Union's national programme for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and delivered to UNICEF for distribution to its implementation partners. Eight hundred children associated with armed forces or groups have left those groups and are being reintegrated by five UNICEF-funded child protection partners - 70 by ACOPE, 308 by the Association des Jeunes pour le De'veloppement Communautaire, 150 by the Concert d'actions pour jeunes et enfants defavorises, 125 by leProgramme d'Appui a la lutte contre la Misere and 147 by the Union pour la paix et la promotion des droits de l'enfant au Congo.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“In addition, intensive specialized rehabilitation programmes have been established and buildings constructed with the assistance of the National Institute for Professional Training, with funding from the Government and with Japanese cooperation. Since de-listing, FARDC has set itself the goal of zero children within its ranks. During recruitment, before recruits are sent to the training centre. they are checked to remove any minors. FARDC works in synergy with protection agencies, UNICEF and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). As part of this fight, during the first quarter of 2018, some activities were conducted with the assistance of child protection partners.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Undeniable progress has been made in my country's fight to end the recruitment and use of children in the army and intelligence services. Thanks to operational standards that strengthen the verification of identity, between July 2015 and May 2016 it was possible to separate 453 children from among the FARDC recruits, 330 ofwhom have been reunited with their families. The 123 children separated from the Kamina military have been reunited with their families in the former Kasai provinces, via the city of Lubumbashi, with logistical support from the Congolese Government and its partners - UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The use of formal and compulsory banking services strengthens such measures.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Such measures include various decrees, orders and laws pertaining to, first, the demobilization and reintegration of vulnerable groups existing in the combatant forces; secondly, the establishment of the Interministerial Committee for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration; thirdly, the establishment of the European Union's national programme on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; and fourthly, the protection of children. On 4 October 2012 came the signature of the national action plan to end the recruitment and the use of children in armed conflict and other grave violations of children's rights perpetrated by the security services and the Forces Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo (FARDC).”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“The issue of child soldiers is one of the concerns of our Government, which, at the initiative of the Head of State, has decided to ban the recruitment and use of children in our armed forces and security services. To translate that political will into action, the Head of State has established an entity to combat sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children. We should recall all the legislative and regulatory measures taken to strengthen the fight against the recruitment of children, with a View to providing a better response to the phenomenon and to achieving de-listing.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Malenga (Democratic Republic ofthe Congo) (spoke in French): First, I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July and thank you for your initiative to convene today's debate on the plight of children in armed conflict. I would also like to welcome Ms. Virginia Gamba and express our respect and gratitude for her commitment and dedication to the cause of the world's children. Lastly, I would like to thank His Excellency Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; Ms. Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF, and all those who spoke before me for their very edifying statements.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Aware of those difficulties, my Government, through its Ministry on Women, Family and Children, has made a strong commitment, with the support of technical and financial development partners, to bolster synergy among all stakeholders to effectively implement resolutions 1325 (2000) and 2242 (2015), which aim to increase women's prominence in the peace processes of our respective countries. The challenge is to promote the rights of women and young girls and to encourage all initiatives that will help to achieve the expected results set forth in resolution 1325 (2000).”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“We drafted and published a national action plan, adopted by the Government in October 2010, which we are reviewing at this time. Every year on 31 October, we evaluate the activities undertaken to implement the action plan - a day set aside to commemorate the resolution, with the collaboration of civil society and development partners. Finally, we have put in place a number of structural mechanisms - for example, setting up national, provincial and local steering committees and a permanent national secretariat i to facilitate the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in all 26 provinces of our country. Notwithstanding that progress, the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) still faces major challenges, such as illiteracy, early marriage and inadequate human, material and financial resources.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“By way of example, I would mention the following achievements: the participation of women in all peace negotiations at national and international levels; the integration of the gender dimension in all areas of national life via the promulgation of a law on promoting and and upholding women's right to equal representation and on guaranteeing a gender balance in our institutions; and reforms of the police and the armed forces, including the setting up of specialized units responsible for fighting sexual violence. We have also reviewed our family code, which in the past had discriminated against women and young girls, in favour of giving rights to both. Our President recently promulgated the code. We are currently reviewing our national strategy against gender-based sexual violence, with the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“It was in 1966, 50 years ago now, that for the first time a woman was elevated to the rank of minister in my country. That was the beginning of a process of liberating Congolese women from the traditional yoke in order that they could participate in decision-making positions. That process culminated with the promulgation of the 2006 Constitution by the President of the Republic and Head of State, His Excellency Mr. Joseph Kabila Kabange. This open debate gives us an opportunity to take stock of the progress made since our country endorsed resolution 1325 (2000).”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Mlambo- Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN-Women, for her support to the women of my country. I also thank Ms. Rita Lopidia Executive Director and Co-founder of EVE Organization for Women Development, for her enlightening briefing. My country endorses the statement delivered by the observer of the African Union. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been affected by many years of armed conflict with very adverse consequences, in particular on women and children, is firmly committed to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. Adopted on 31 October 2000 - the first Council resolution to emphasize the fight against the impact of war - resolution 1325 (2000) called for promoting women's contributions to conflict resolution and to negotiations with a view to the maintenance of peace and security.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Mrs. Malenga (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): At the outset, Sir, I would like to begin by commending your country, the Russian Federation, on its accession to the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and to commend you on the great acumen with which you are conducting the Council's work in October. I would also like to pay well- deserved tribute to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, to whom my country is very grateful for his outstanding ongoing efforts to ensure that peace returns to my country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I also take this opportunity to thank Ms. Zainab Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for her noteworthy commitments in fighting sexual violence in my country. I would also like to express gratitude to Ms.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, my Government is determined to pursue its efforts to implement its action plan to eradicate the recruitment and use of children in armed forces and groups, as well as other grave violations of children's rights. In that regard, my country would like to thank Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, for her dedication to the cause of children. My country also welcomes the excellent cooperation it has developed with the Office ofthe Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Task Force on Children and Armed Conflict, the MONUSCO team for child protection and UNICEF. My country expresses its deep gratitude to all these partners.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“My Government is also committed to the fight to eradicate the negative forces and armed groups that, to a certain degree, constitute the root causes of the issue. Furthermore, my Government also places special emphasis on the fight against impunity for serious crimes committed against children, and has established new courts for children in 10 provinces in the country. In the same effort to strengthen the protection of children, the Government has decided to make the six grave violations of the rights of children in armed conflict a criterion for disqualification for membership in our armed forces. Those strong initiatives to support children's rights have had significant results, including the arrest and conviction of high-ranking officers in our armed forces and the national police.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Its initial efforts consisted in putting an end to that problem within our army. To that end, my Government has launched several initiatives. Strongly determined to eradicate the problem, it has made the necessary political commitment, leading to the appointment by the President of the Republic, Joseph Kabila, of a Personal Representative in charge of the fight against sexual violence and child recruitment. The efforts of my Government to end this issue continue. In that regard, my country has supported the United Nation global "Children, Not Soldiers" campaign, which the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict and UNICEF organized in 2014 with a view to eradicating the recruitment and use of children in conflict by Government security forces by the end of 2016.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Once the stones are crushed, the coltan is used in electronic devices. The high level of radioactivity of those substances explains the frequency of the sometimes fatal respiratory problems suffered by a large number of Congolese children who crush and transport coltan. Those who survive remain traumatized by the acts of vandalism and barbarity perpetrated against them by armed groups to which they fell victim. Moreover, children displaced by conflict have virtually no access to education, which makes them even more vulnerable to recruitment into armed groups. Mindful of this tragic situation experienced by children, my Government, with the support of international partners, including the United Nations, is committed to combating violations of children's rights.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Allow me to note here that the repeated outbreaks of war experienced by my country are at the origin of various forms of atrocities experienced by children in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo still occupied by armed groups. Indeed, Congolese children who have been or continue to be detained by armed groups have lived through and continue to experience psychologically traumatic events. They are helpless eyewitnesses of horrible scenes of violence during which their family members and friends are killed before their eyes. Thousands of child victims of violent attacks by armed groups have suffered massive moral damage and material damage. Many are used as combatants, messengers, sex slaves, spies, traffickers or transporters of munitions. Some are also used to crush stones in quarries in order to make gravel.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Mrs. Malenga (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): I would first like to express my deep satisfaction at seeing you, Sir, preside over the Security Council during the month of March, and to tell you how pleased we are to see France lead today's Council deliberations. I would also like to thank you for holding this debate on children and armed conflict, thereby affording my country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the opportunity to speak on an issue that continues to be one of our priorities. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other speakers for their respective statements. Finally, my thanks go to Mr. Junior Nzita for his testimony.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“That is a tragedy of a scale without equal in the history of humankind, and humankind cannot remain indifferent before it, if it does not wish to lose its soul. Our meeting today therefore reflects our shared desire to reaffirm our humanity, assess together and in an uncompromising manner the concept of peacekeeping and identify the challenges that remain so that, once lasting peace is restored, the State can devote its energy and faculties to the key issues of fighting poverty and improving the living conditions of its people.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“The very first use of surveillance drones in a United Nations peacekeeping operation occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and sets a precedent, sounding the death knell for the traditional concept of peacekeeping operations and paving the way for the use of modern technology aimed at making peacekeeping operations effective and efficient. For the long- suffering populations of the countries in the region, the Framework and the aforementioned resolution are seen as compelling evidence of the international community's determination to help find a definitive solution to the unstable situation, which has lasted too long and for which my country has paid such a heavy toll. We must recall the sad and often overlooked reality that my country has lost over 6 million people to our chronic conflict.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Meanwhile, the Government is now shouldering the task of creating the rapid reaction force that is to take over for the Intervention Brigade at the designated time. The conclusion and implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, which was concluded in Addis Ababa on 24 February 2013, and the adoption of resolution 2098 (2013), which strengthened the Framework, represent major innovations in both the understanding of the crisis in the Great Lakes region since the late 1990s and the traditional United Nations doctrine of peacekeeping.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“As we all know, the Security Council recently adopted resolution 2147 (2014), renewing the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and that of the Force Intervention Brigade. We have all witnessed the effective and commendable role played by the Intervention Brigade alongside the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the restoration of the authority of the State over the entirety of its territory. That is why the second mandate of the Intervention Brigade will, in fact, be the culmination of efforts already undertaken to consolidate and preserve lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout the Great Lakes region.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Peacekeeping operations must in particular facilitate the political process, protect civilians, assist in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, support the organization of free elections, protect and promote human rights and restore State authority in conflict- torn areas. In my delegation's view, the success of peacekeeping operations depends on their ability to adapt to the dynamics of new challenges and current political realities. As to new trends in this area, I would like to mention the example of the practices followed by the Security Council in my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“President, for giving us the opportunity to speak before the Security Council at today's public debate on new trends in peacekeeping, under the agenda item entitled "United Nations peacekeeping operations". The topic chosen is all the more significant for being at the very heart of the activities of the United Nations since its inception. We recall that the peacekeeping operations are not just about maintaining international peace and security; they are also called upon to help countries torn by conflict to create the conditions for returning to a lasting peace.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Mrs. Malenga (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): Mr. President, I would first like to express my great satisfaction at seeing you preside over the Security Council in this month of June, and our honour at having the Russian Federation guide the deliberations of the Council today. I cannot fail to mention the remarkable stewardship of your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea, at the helm of the Security Council last month . My delegation associates itself with the statement made earlier by the representative of Malawi on behalf of the Southern African Development Community. We would like to thank you, Mr.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“In his 2013 annual report on children and armed conflict (S/2013/245), the Secretary-General recognizes that the military use of schools is widespread. Of the 22 cases covered in the report, 19 involve violations related to education, including schools being bombed and razed by the warring parties and students and education personnel being threatened, kidnapped and killed. Finally, my delegation welcomes the Security Council's commitment to working for the protection of children from serious violations committed against them in armed conflict.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“My delegation takes this opportunity to appeal to the armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to put an end to their mistreatment of children and to comply with their international obligation to protect the safety and rights of children. In terms of security, the Security Council must take into account the protection of children's rights, including in peace negotiations, and the urgent need to end impunity for crimes against children. It must also support the development of programmes and policies to protect children and improve their living conditions. In conclusion, my delegation protests the intentional and generalized targeting of schools, teachers and students as a tactic of war.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“My delegation is speaking on behalf of children whose families, usually in dire economic straits, cherish the hope that concrete steps will be taken to provide them with reparations. In terms of education, children displaced by fighting have virtually no access to school, which makes them more vulnerable to being recruited by armed groups. We also note that many schools have not resumed classes following the clashes provoked by armed groups in South Kivu. Moreover, it remains true that in recent years the armed forces and non-State armed groups have used schools and universities for military purposes in violation of the right to education laid out in the main international instruments on human rights. Their acts constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“Those who survive are traumatized by the acts of vandalism and barbarity committed against them by M-23 rebels. Thousands of child victims of violent attacks by M-23 have suffered serious physical and psychological damage. Adequate reparations are needed to cover emotional damage, for example in cases of depression, loss of self-esteem, stress, involuntary abortions for young girls who were raped, infant mortality and sexually transmitted infections. In areas affected by insecurity, education has been suspended because dozens of classrooms have been destroyed, and some schools are overcrowded due to the arrival of displaced children or are serving as temporary housing for persons displaced within their own countries.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“The conflict situation currently prevailing in that part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and more specifically in and around North Kivu, has led to a resurgence in violence and crime, the primary victims of which are women and children. Massive displacements due to violence continue in North Kivu, where it is well known that many children are kidnapped by the rebel forces of M-23 and pressed into forced labour for mining. Children are also used to break up rocks to make gravel in quarries. Once broken up, coltan is used in electronic devices. The highly radioactive nature of that substance explains the frequency of respiratory ailments, which are sometimes fatal, among those who handle it. Many Congolese children have been used to transport and mine coltan.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“That description corresponds exactly to the purgatory that Congolese children endure daily owing to the presence of various foreign and domestic armed groups, particularly the rebels of the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M-23), the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda, the Allied Democratic Forces-National Army for the Liberation of Uganda and others who plunder the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In fact, the language of weapons and violence has resurfaced in North Kivu since the M-23 rebels who deserted from the ranks of the Congolese army in April 2012 turned their weapons on the regular army.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“Radhika Coomaraswamy, the former Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, stated in her annual report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva that "thousands of children continue to be killed, maimed, abducted, subjected to sexual violence, denied humanitarian access and deprived of health care in many countries" (A/HRC/21/38, para. 2). She went on to say that in several countries children were also "used as suicide bombers and human shields".”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“Mrs. Malenga (Democratic Republic ofthe Congo) (spoke in French): I would like to ask the interpreters to listen carefully to my statement, as I will try to skip details in view of the limited time available. At the outset, I would like to say how pleased I am, Sir, to see you presiding over the Security Council for the month of June. My delegation is grateful to the Council for putting on its agenda an issue that particularly affects the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that of children and armed conflict. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on the issue (S/2013/245). And I thank Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Mr. Herve Ladsous, Ms. Yoka Brandt and Mr. Gregory Ramm for their work on the problem of children and armed conflict. On 28 June 2012 Mrs.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“Although they are not experiencing conflict, those regions are nonetheless facing the consequences of instability in the north and the east of the country. We call on the international community and friendly countries that wish to do so to come to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to invest heavily in our country and to participate in its development and economic growth. The potential of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the energy of its people enable us to envisage a win-win type of cooperation. Some countries have already understood that, and we invite others to follow suit and to support us as we move along that path.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“6) The Democratic Republic of the Congo already has the Stabilization and Reconstruction Plan for Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as 12-22477 the International Security and Stabilization Support Strategy, which target North Kivu and extend to Haut Uele and Bas Uele districts in Orientale province, Maniema province, the North Tanganyika district in Katanga province, and the South Ubangi and Equateur districts in Equateur province. In our humble opinion, the economic recovery, social rehabilitation and reintegration components of these stabilization and reconstruction programmes should be revisited and redesigned. I refer in particular to STAREC and the programme designed by the United Nations country team, the objective of which is to consolidate and develop the northern and western regions.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“In that area as in all others, as the Minister for International and Regional Cooperation eloquently said in his statement to the Council on 18 May 2011: "However, essential it may be, all future assistance from the United Nations, and MONUSCO in particular, be conceived and organized in a way that makes full use of the investments made by the international community. In this way, we can end the crisis of legitimacy, relaunch the economy and rebuild a State in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - in other words, capitalize and build on the remarkable if still precarious results that we have achieved in this area by working together in the past few years." (S/PV.6539, p.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“In general terms, we reiterate that, in terms of fighting armed groups, including Congolese outlaws, substantial progress has undeniably been made in reducing threats to the security of the people and in improving the conditions in which the Government is able to guarantee security. The normalization of relations with neighbouring States is continuing. Measures are being taken to distance destabilizing elements from the border regions, but we would remind the Council that, since February 2001, our consistent position has been that all armed foreigners, regardless of origin, must return to their home country. It is now time to begin a new phase of economic resurgence after many years of war.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“Peacebuilding and the fight against armed groups are the top priorities for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The threat of the Lord's Resistance Army must be addressed with the assistance of the countries of the region. Initiatives must be urgently accelerated to protect civilians from the atrocities committed by the Ugandan rebel movement of Joseph Kony and his henchmen. We believe that sufficient elements are now in place to substantially reduce or entirely eliminate the destructive capacity of that armed group, whose reach spans the Central African Republic, Chad, the Sudan, Uganda and my own country. It is possible to do so and it must be done in order to make peace a reality.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“The special mixed courts will have the potential to help not only to end impunity, but also to improve victims' access to justice and enhance the overall capacities and will of the Congolese national judicial system to effectively prosecute the most serious international crimes. Although established by the legislative branch on the basis of a national law, the specialized mixed courts would be more effective and credible if they were to enjoy the strong support of the Security Council. Such support would entail a Council decision under Chapter VII of the Charter requiring Member States to cooperate with the special mixed courts, particularly in the arrest and rendition of suspects. A lack of cooperation and the denial of justice could pose a real threat to international peace and security.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“In addressing the issue of Congolese judicial reform, I am pleased to recall that, in its resolve to once and for all end impunity for serious crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in implementation of the relevant recommendations of the United Nations mapping report of October 2010, the Government has taken the initiative to set up special mixed chambers within the Congolese legal system. These courts will be set up within some provincial appellate courts and will be responsible for handling cases involving grave human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To that end, the Government has introduced a bill in Parliament to establish special mixed courts to prosecute such crimes.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“For example, in the remote areas of the eastern provinces, special courts have been established to conduct investigations. Those courts are mobile and able to operate in areas closer to the scenes of crimes, thereby enabling women who have been raped to see justice done. They convene outside, under the trees, so as to enable members of the community to participate. In addition, the Government is supporting the establishment of five prosecution support cells, which MONUSCO is launching to assist the victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“In legislative terms, we note the law of 20 July 2006, which was revolutionary compared with the criminal code previously in force. The most significant innovations include an increase in the age of sexual consent for girls from 14 to 18 years of age. In other words, a girl aged 18 is today considered to be a legal minor, and anyone having sexual relations with a girl of that age, with or without her consent, is deemed to have broken the law. Another important measure introduced in that law is the irrelevance of the official status of the perpetrator; in other words, no one in a position of authority who commits a sexually violent act can claim immunity before the law. For their part, the courts and tribunals have adopted new measures.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“With regard to sexual violence, I should like to remind the Council that the war that overshadowed the Democratic Republic of the Congo for many years generated many types of violence, including a new type, the main victims of which are women and young girls. In the eastern part of the country, which was most affected by that violence, women are now targeted by men in uniform and by criminals. In response, all institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the executive power, the courts and Parliament, have mobilized to counteract the scourge, against which the Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. Even the highest- ranking military officers of the Congolese Army have been brought to justice.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“Reference is also made to acts of sexual violence and mass rapes committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 2010 and 2011. 7 With regard to human rights violations in general, paragraph 72 of the report recommends that measures be taken to ensure that the guilty are identified and brought to justice. As I said earlier, that need for justice is of the greatest concern to the Government, as well to the authorities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, who have spared no effort in bringing before the courts cases involving electoral workers who engaged in misconduct in the local results compilation centres.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“In terms of human rights and sexual violence, I would like to reaffirm my country's commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in international law, which are the basic foundations of a world that is more peaceful, prosperous and just. In that regard, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is determined to ensure strict respect for the fundamental principles of human rights and international humanitarian law, and to ensure a just and lasting peace throughout the country. In paragraphs 46 to 54 of the report, the Secretary-General makes reference to the human rights violations that took place during the electoral process and to many other such acts committed in the eastern part of the country by armed groups.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“We are also grateful for the technical, financial and logistical contributions made by a number of friendly countries, as well as foreign partners including the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO. Some setbacks were noted that in certain cases led to the death of individuals; we deem those regrettable, but we can draw lessons from them for the future, particularly with respect to the provincial, senatorial and local elections. But in general terms, the reforms launched last year in the security sector will be continued this year in order to train a police force and an army that are fully capable of ensuring security throughout the national territory and to enhance conditions - which are already favourable - for a return to economic and social development.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“I should like here to pay heartfelt tribute to the police and security forces, which, in particularly difficult conditions, showed great professionalism whenever they were called upon to ensure law and order, which are prerequisites for an effective electoral process. I wish also to take this opportunity to thank all of our partners, including MONUSCO and the European Union mission to provide advice and assistance for security sector reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for their partnership with the FARDC. I should also like to highlight the support provided by the European Union with a view to ensuring security during the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through its delegation in Kinshasa, its member States and the European Union Police Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source