UNSG Representative on IDP rights visits DRC

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000194 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF PREL PGOV PHUM CG SUBJECT: UNSG Representative on IDP RIGHTS visits DRC ¶1. Walter Kalin, The UN Secretary General's Representative on the human RIGHTS of internally displaced persons (IDPs),called for a sustainable solution for displaced people during his February 12-22 visit to the DRC. At a briefing for the international diplomatic corps in Kinshasa on February 22, Kalin targeted political reconciliation between government and armed groups and effective economic reintegration of IDPs as the key components of a permanent solution. He will report his findings and recommendations to the UN Human RIGHTS COUNCIL in Geneva in March. ¶2. Kalin's visit included meetings with senior officials in Kinshasa, including Justice and HUMAN RIGHTS Minister Mutombo Bakafwa and Humanitarian Affairs Minister Jean-Claude Muyambo. He emphasized that the government is the primary entity responsible for the protection and assistance of displaced civilians. The international community's role should be to assist its efforts. He also recommended that the government dramatically increase its efforts in fighting impunity in the armed forces. ¶3. Kalin also visited IDPs in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri District. He underscored the need to avoid additional massive displacements. He was particularly concerned with the forced recruitment of children by armed groups, identifying this as a primary cause of new displacements and prevents the sustainable return of IDPs. ¶4. Press reports portrayed Kalin's visit as a call to action, and viewed him as genuinely concerned about the situation of Congolese IDPs. They highlighted his call to all parties to the Goma peace and security conference to implement their commitments without delay, and his urging of armed groups, the government and the international community to work to bring about a permanent solution to the crisis in the east. GARVELINK