Holy See condemns violence in Democratic Republic of Congo

By Christopher Wells

The Holy See “remains deeply concerned about the alarming human rights situation in the DRC,” said Monsignor John Putzer said on Monday during the 54th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council.

In his intervention, Msgr. Putzer noted that the Holy See “condemns all acts of violence, especially those which result in the loss of life or in sexual assault.”

He quoted Pope Francis who, during his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year, condemned armed violence, massacres, rapes, the destruction and occupation of villages, and the looting of fields and cattle.

Grave concerns

Speaking for the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Msgr. Putzer expressed concern about the recruitment of child soldiers and increasing attacks by militant groups, as well as reported attacks by the national army.

He said the Holy See supports the recommendation of the team of international experts that all stakeholders ‘rapidly implement’ the proposals of the Nairobi and Luanda Processes, “and urges all armed groups to ensure effective disarmament.”

Msgr. Putzer added that the Holy See “exhorts the entire international community not to underestimate the particularly grave threat posed by ADF’s continued attacks and growing extremist radicalization,” highlighting attacks against Christian communities.

He also highlighted the “general state of impunity” that continues in the DRC, noting that “many victims of human rights violations do not receive a fair or speedy trial, if ever they receive one.

Upcoming elections

Looking ahead to upcoming presidential elections, the Holy See “reiterates the importance of ensuring that all Congolese citizens have the right to express their political will in a safe, peaceful and transparent environment,” Msgr. Putzer said.

He highlighted the work of the DRC Bishops’ Conference and other organizations in training independent election observers, noting that “such actors will be essential to ensure that the upcoming elections are credible, transparent and inclusive.” He also called on Congolese authorities “to ensure the security and political freedoms of all during this decisive period.”

Msgr. Putzer concluded his speech with the plea voiced by Pope Francis to the international community: “We cannot grow accustomed to the bloodshed that has marked this country for decades, causing millions of deaths that remain mostly unknown elsewhere. What is happening here needs to be known. The current peace processes, which I greatly encourage, need to be sustained by concrete deeds, and commitments should be maintained.”