Written question asked by Eric Joyce (Labour) on Thursday, 8 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 November 2007. It was answered by Meg Munn (Labour) on Monday, 19 November 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Human Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to encourage the implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Answer: In conjunction with EU partners, the UK is active in supporting the EU guidelines. We have condemned threats and attacks against human rights defenders, made representations to the Congolese Government, including at presidential level, and issued public statements where human rights defenders are at risk. The UK provides financial and visible public support to Congolese non-governmental organisations (NGO) and has contributed to an NGO-administered scheme which helps provide immediate protection for human rights defenders at risk.On 31 July the Presidency of the EU issued a declaration calling on the Congolese authorities to fulfil their obligations on human rights. It urged justice for the murderers of the human rights defenders Pascal Kabungulu and Serge Maheshe, and for the trial concerning Mr. Kabungulu's murder to resume.

Secondary information