HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS URGES EQUAL PROTECTION FOR ALL IN CONFLICT IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

HR/98/58
7 August 1998

The following statement was issued today by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson:


“As High Commissioner for Human Rights, I have been following with increasing concern the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through my Office I am aware that there have been reports of looting and burning of shops targeting certain segments of the population in Kinshasa. There are also indications that ethnically motivated violence is taking place in other parts of the country as the armed conflict spreads.

The Government must extend equal protection to all persons under its jurisdiction, regardless of origin, and I join the Secretary-General in appealing to all sides to refrain from acts of persecution, harassment or discrimination against any segment of the population.

I urge regional leaders, as they gather to work towards finding a peaceful solution for the conflict, to impress upon all concerned the imperative of ensuring that the civilian population is protected from violence and that the human rights of all persons are fully respected.”