Geneva, 7 February 2025     

HRC: 37th Special Session on the situation of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo       

Statement delivered by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Albania

Thank you, Mr. President,

Albania align itself with the EU statement.

The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is of serious concern, and the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis have led to widespread violence.

We are particularly alarmed by the recent surge in violence in the eastern regions of the country, where clashes between government forces and the M23 armed group have resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of civilians, and widespread suffering.

Albania strongly condemns the persistent human rights violations and abuses, including sexual violence, summary executions, enforced disappearances, and targeted attacks on human rights defenders, journalists, and other civil society actors.

We express our profound alarm about the increasing danger to women and girls from violence, including rape, and the recruitment of children by armed groups.

We urge M23 to stop its advance and echo the Secretary-General’s appeal for Rwanda to cease support to M23 and withdraw from DRC territory.

Albania calls for robust accountability measures to be implemented.

We will support establishment of an independent fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations and international humanitarian law violations in the North and South Kivu provinces.

It is imperative that those responsible for human rights violations and atrocities are brought to justice.

We commend the efforts of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations working tirelessly on the ground to deliver aid and protect vulnerable populations.

Albania reaffirms its support for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and condemns any attacks against UN-mandated forces.

We believe that there is no military solution to the crisis, and we emphasize the need for an inclusive political dialogue between the DRC, Rwanda and other regional and international actors to address the root causes of the conflict.

I thank you.