A Rwandan diplomat has warned that the weaponisation of ethnicity in DR Congo is a harmful development the worldwide group mustn’t ever ignore.
Edmond Tubanambazi, First Counsellor at Rwanda's Everlasting Mission on the UN Workplace in Geneva, stated Kinshasa might deepen the humanitarian disaster in conflict-hit jap DR Congo and undermining efforts to guard civilians.
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He introduced Rwanda's nationwide assertion through the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Particular Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Individuals on the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday, June 25.
Tubanambazi rejected allegations that Rwanda targets Hutu civilians.
“Rwanda is aware of the devastating penalties of ethnic hatred. The weaponization of ethnicity is a warning signal the world mustn’t ever ignore, wherever it’s used and whoever it targets,” Tubanambazi stated.
“Rwanda expresses compassion for the Congolese girls, males and kids struggling displacement, violence and uncertainty. Their safety should stay on the centre of this Council's consideration.”
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Kinshasa-backed armed teams just like the UN-sanctioned FDLR have been accused of driving violence towards the Tutsi in North and South Kivu provinces.
He known as on the Council to deal with the “full actuality” of the battle in DR Congo as a substitute of specializing in selective accounts.
In accordance with Tubanambazi, accountability ought to embody each armed teams and state-affiliated militias working within the nation.
He stated DR Congo has greater than 260 armed teams, together with the FDLR, Wazalendo and CODECO that function with coordination, financing and political backing from Kinshasa.
“The Congolese military and affiliated teams are documented drivers of displacement,” the diplomat added, noting that their position shouldn’t be missed in efforts to guard internally displaced individuals.
He urged the Particular Rapporteur to make sure that engagement on the displacement disaster in DR Congo stays protection-centred, addresses all drivers of displacement, and helps protected, voluntary and dignified options for affected communities.
He argued that selective narratives conceal duty and weaken accountability.
“A selective narrative doesn’t defend IDPs. It covers up duty and weakens accountability,” he stated.
