A delegation of specialists in human rights from the European Union met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for the DRC William Swing in MONUC headquarters in Kinshasa, on Monday 5 November 2007. The purpose of the meeting is to inquire into the evolution of human rights respect in the country and the best way for the European countries to continue their support in this field.

The delegation members representing France, Spain, Netherlands and Sweden are in DRC for six days. After Kinshasa, they will visit Goma and Bukavu, to inquire into the numerous allegations concerning human rights violations in the region.

"The goal of our visit is to discuss the human rights situation with the government, the non governmental organizations, the United Nations and other international partners,” the Netherlands envoy to DRC, ambassador Arjam Hamburger, explained.

The delegation will also discuss other topics such as violence against woman, protection of children and of children associated with armed forces and groups, as well as the respect of the International Criminal Court treaty signed by the DRC.

“There is a convention that has been signed and ratified by the DRC. It is necessary to translate the obligations of this treaty in their national legislation. We are trying to debate that in order to accelerate this process in the country", Mr. Hamburger added.

This Monday morning, the delegation met with the Congolese Foreign Minister and will also meet with other members of the DRC’s executive office, including the ministers of human rights, Justice, Feminine Condition, Interior and Defense.

After this visit, the representatives of the countries concerned will elaborate a report to be submitted to the respective governments in order to better contain the problem and to improve the collaboration that already exists between the European countries and the DRC government in this field.