Intervention by the Nordic-Baltic States. 9 September 2025.
Mr President,
Thank you to the High Commissioner, the Team of International Experts, and the Fact-Finding Mission for your reports. I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
We welcome the recent signing of the peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda in Washington, the ongoing Doha process and the African mediation initiative. We call on all parties to stand by their commitments, respect the ceasefire, and put an end to violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.
The deteriorating humanitarian and security situation is a major concern. We condemn the continued attacks on civilians by the M23 and other armed groups in eastern DRC. Accountability and the rule of law must prevail. The report of the Fact-finding Mission is crucial in this respect and receives our full support. A swift operationalisation of the COI is essential.
We are also closely following 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. The legal process remains vital and has our full support.
High Commissioner, what can we collectively do to strengthen accountability and transitional justice in DRC?
Thank you.
