The 47th Session of the UPR Working Group, Review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Statement by Mr. TAKEUCHI Yasuaki (5 November 2024)

　Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.
 
　Japan appreciates the positive steps taken by the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the previous review cycle.
 
　However, Japan remains concerned about the human rights situation in the regions affected by armed conflict, with the number of reported acts of sexual violence and child abuse on the rise in and around IDP camps.
 
　In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we recommend that the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
 
　　1) accelerate security sector reform and strengthen protection of civilians;

　　2) take additional measures to reduce cases of violence, especially against women and girls;

　　3) continue to implement the voluntary commitments announced on the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of the adoption of the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights); and

　　4) enhance initiatives, including those aimed at strengthening civic space, to guarantee the fundamental freedoms and rights enshrined in the ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights); 

　We wish the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo every success in the review.

　I thank you.