Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 April 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 24 April 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 an assessment of the human rights situations pertaining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with particular reference to the treatment of human rights activists in Katanga province.

Answer: The human rights situation across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains poor. Congolese civilians, particularly in eastern DRC, continue to suffer abuses committed by militias, foreign armed groups and ill-disciplined and poorly-controlled Congolese army soldiers.The UK is committed to the protection of human rights and human rights defenders across the DRC. Ending the climate of impunity remains a high priority. We are in regular contact with United Nations and non-governmental organisation teams working in Katanga who keep us updated on the human rights situation there. The imminent arrival of troops temporarily transferred from the UN Mission in Burundi should help to deter future abuses. And, with international community partners, we have told the Congolese Government that we hold it responsible for the abuses committed by its own soldiers, including in Katanga. President Kabila has promised that his Government will take positive action.

Secondary information