SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO CONDEMNS RECENT ATTACKS IN ITURI

13 May 2003





The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Professor Iulia Motoc, is profoundly alarmed about the serious situation of the civilian population in the Ituri region in the east of the country.
The Special Rapporteur strongly deplores the renewal of hostilities in Bunia, in the Ituri region and near the border with Uganda, as well as the attacks against the civilian population which have created a climate of terror and general insecurity. She condemns the attacks against the headquarters of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and the agencies of the United Nations system in Bunia. Ms. Motoc also condemns the attack carried out on 10 May 2003 against an aeroplane which was transporting to Bunia a delegation from the Congolese Ministry of Human Rights.
The Special Rapporteur calls on the parties involved in the conflict to cease all hostilities, immediately end massive violations of human rights, and pursue, in cooperation with the United Nations, the peace process within the framework of the Ituri Pacification Commission. She also calls on the concerned parties to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid and the work of non-governmental organizations which bring essential supplies for the affected population.
Professor Motoc draws the attention of the international community to the gravity of the situation in the Ituri region and calls on it to take an active role in searching for effective solutions for the protection of the civilian population in Ituri.



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