Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 27 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 March 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 2 March 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with particular reference to the treatment of journalists.

Answer: The peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains fragile, but the country is making progress towards holding democratic elections by June 2006. It is crucial that all parties stick to this timetable, and work constructively towards free and fair elections. The key challenges of Security Sector Reform, ending corruption and promoting human rights still remain.Freedom of the press generally exists in the DRC, but harassment of journalists, including physical attacks, have recently increased. The UK has reminded the DRC authorities of their duty to protect freedom of expression and the rights of all vulnerable groups, including journalists. The UK drafted the EU-led Resolution on DRC, adopted at the 2005 UN General Assembly, which made clear that the DRC Government must do more to protect human rights defenders.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 55343; 443 c944-5W;443 c944-5W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Human rights Freedom of expression Journalism Democratic Republic of the Congo
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk