SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR WELCOMES SIGNING OF PEACE ACCORD IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

20 December 2002



To Visit Country in February 2003



The Commission on Human Rights' Special Rapporteur on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iulia Motoc, welcomed the signing, on 17 December, of a peace agreement by political leaders permitting the development of mechanisms to establish transitional institutions in the country. Ms. Motoc further stated that it was of vital importance that human rights be respected in the implementation of the agreement.
In the course of preparations for a mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2003, the Special Rapporteur was in Geneva from 17-19 December and held consultations with non-governmental organizations, representatives of diplomatic missions, and staff of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
During her next visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ms. Motoc will give particular attention to questions related to the establishment of a truth and justice mechanism to investigate massive violations of human rights, to administration of justice, and to violence against women and children.



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