Progress in the fight to end impunity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

20 Mar 2012

Progress in the fight to end impunity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kinshasa, 14 March 2012: The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) welcomes today's decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the trial of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, found guilty of enlisting and conscripting child soldiers in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between 2002 and 2003. The verdict is the first ever issued by the ICC since its establishment in 2002.


"Today's decision is key in the fight to end impunity in the DRC," states Roger Meece, the United Nations Special Representative for the DRC. "It sends a powerful message to the individuals responsible for grave human rights violations that they will be held accountable for their actions. We strongly urge national authorities to pursue actively investigations and hold to account all who have committed human rights violations".

Mr. Meece further reiterated the need to strengthen the Congolese justice system in parallel to cooperating with international proceedings. With this in mind, he is very encouraged by the recent arrest of three FARDC Lieutenant Colonels in February 2012 in Province Orientale on several charges including the use of children in the military and allegations of rape by FARDC soldiers. There remain, however, too many groups such as the LRA, and various militias who regularly recruit children and commit other serious human rights abuses, and must also be brought to justice.

Mr. Meece notes his appreciation for the strong collaboration between MONUSCO and the military and civilian justice systems and reiterated MONUSCO's commitment to continuing support to both in the interest of strengthening national justice systems.

Press Releases 2012