Checked Against Delivery
I thank SRSG Swan for his comprehensive briefing and welcome him to the Council for his first briefing in this capacity.
As we have heard, the conflict in the Eastern DRC warrants our continued attention. This is particularly true in the context of the recent Ebola outbreak.
The outbreak has placed further strain on an already overstretched humanitarian response, further compounded by continued armed conflict, mass displacement and persistent human rights violations and abuses.
As just recommitted by the parties earlier this week in London for the Sixth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee, we urge the immediate cessation of hostilities.
This includes refraining from the use of heavy weapons and drone strikes in populated areas, and any actions that risk escalating tensions or undermining the ongoing peace efforts led by the US, Qatar and the African Union.
In line with Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808, we once again urge the withdrawal of the Rwanda Defence Forces from the DRC, for Rwanda to immediately cease all support to the M23, and for the government of the DRC to refrain from support to armed groups, including FDLR.
We further call on all parties to make the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus fully operational, and to finalise the remaining Doha protocols. We welcome the support of Switzerland for the Doha process.
We commend and encourage the ongoing work of MONUSCO in support of the peace processes, including for implementation of a permanent ceasefire, in line with its mandate.
Madam President,
To enable these ongoing efforts, it is essential that MONUSCO has full freedom of movement of its personnel, assets and supplies.
We call for the immediate restoration of full access to the Goma and Kavumu airports, the facilitation of medical evacuations, uninterrupted fuel supply lines, and the cessation of the use of offensive drones and GPS spoofing and jamming.
Ensuring safe and unimpeded access for peacekeepers and humanitarian actors is critical not only for the safety and security of peacekeepers, but also for the protection of civilians.
Madam President,
The disregard for international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, is appalling.
Reports of summary executions, abductions, forced recruitment, arbitrary detention, and conflict-related sexual violence committed by both armed groups and state actors are unacceptable and must cease immediately.
We call on all parties to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and to ensure the protection of civilians, particularly women and children.
Accountability, including for conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations against children, must remain at the centre of national and international efforts to resolve the crisis.
In closing,
The choice before the parties is clear: continued escalation, suffering and instability, or a genuine commitment to peace.
The Security Council has spoken clearly through its resolutions. Mediators have created a pathway forward. What is now required is implementation.
Denmark remains steadfast in our support for MONUSCO, the peace processes underway, and the efforts of the Congolese people to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.
I thank you.
