Decision 4 (53) on the Democratic Republic of the Congo : Democratic Republic of the Congo. 17/08/98.
A/53/18,para.IIB4. (Decision)

Convention Abbreviation: CERD
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION
OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Fifty-third session
3-21 August 1998

Decision 4 (53) on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,

Reaffirming its decision 3 (51) of 20 August 1997 and decision 1 (52) of 19 March 1998 on the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Reiterating its general recommendations XXI (48) of 8 March 1996 and XXII (49) of 16 August 1996; See"Compilation of general comments and general recommendations adopted by the human rights treaty bodies" (HRI/GEN/1/Rev.3).

Having taken note of the report of the joint mission charged with investigating allegations of massacres and other human rights violations occurring in eastern Zaire since September 1996 E/CN.4/1998/64. and of the report submitted by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, E/CN.4/1998/65.

1. Expresses its deep concern about reports of massacres and other grave human rights violations, including violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, by Government forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which, according to the report of the Joint Mission, are of an ethnic nature and could constitute acts of genocide;

2. Further expresses its concern that recent developments have again led to grave human rights violations committed by all factions involved in the conflict which, according to reports, are directed against particular ethnic groups;

3. Deplores the restrictions imposed by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo upon the work of the Special Rapporteur and of the Investigative Team established in accordance with the Security Council decision of 8 July 1997;

4. Calls upon all participants in the conflict to immediately end all fighting and, in particular, cease all attacks on or harassment of particular ethnic groups;

5. Calls upon the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to fully implement its commitment to the democratization process, respect for human rights and the rule of law, in particular the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination;

6. Urges the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to work closely and strengthen further its cooperation with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Kinshasa;

7. Further urges the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (a) to allow the Special Rapporteur to resume his functions, in accordance with his mandate, and (b) to investigate the allegations made in the report of the Secretary-General's Investigative Team;

8. Calls upon the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to undertake all efforts to provide for a safe return of all refugees and displaced persons to their homes and properties and to offer appropriate compensation for any such property which cannot be restored;

9. Decides to keep the human rights situation with respect to racial discrimination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo under review and to discuss it at its fifty-fourth session, in March 1999.

1297th meeting
18 August 1998