HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 61st session
Items 2&10, Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (res. S-37/1 & res. 57/34)
Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries.
Delivered by H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva.
26 March 2026
Mr President,
Thank you, High Commissioner, for your presentation. I make this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
The situation for human rights in eastern DRC is deeply concerning. We support the mediation efforts undertaken by the US, Qatar and the African Union. All parties to the conflict must stand by their commitments, respect the ceasefire, and comply with IHL and human rights law. This includes the protection of civilians and the obligation to respect and protect humanitarian relief personnel.
We note, with strong concern, recent reports by UN experts on violence committed against human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, by the M23 armed group in the North and South Kivu provinces, and by Wazalendo militias. Accountability and the rule of law must prevail.
We closely follow the developments in the appeal trial of the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp in Kasaï Central in 2017, including the investigation into the disappearance of their four Congolese companions. A fair and comprehensive trial remains vital to hold those responsible to account.
High Commissioner, what measures should be taken to ensure that human rights defenders can conduct their work safely and without fear in eastern DRC?
Thank you.