Situation of human rights in Zaire.

1993/61. Situation of human rights in Zaire

The Commission on Human Rights, Guided by the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Recalling that, under Articles 55 and 56 of the Charter of the United Nations, all States Members of the Organization have an obligation to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to cooperate for that purpose, Recalling that, from 1985 to 1989 and from 1991 to 1993, it examined the situation of human rights in Zaire under the confidential procedure governed by Economic and Social Council resolution 1503 (XLVIII) of 27 May 1970, Emphasizing that Zaire is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples, Rights, Reaffirming in this connection the indivisibility of all human rights, Having examined the reports of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (E/CN.4/1993/46) and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (E/CN.4/1993/25 and Add.1), Concerned about the seriousness of the situation of human rights in Zaire and, in particular, about the use of force during peaceful gatherings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, summary executions, torture and inhuman treatment in detention centres, serious shortcomings in the administration of justice, which is unable to function independently, and forced population displacements, Stressing that the situation described above is contributing to the worsening of the country's socio-economic and financial situation, in particular that of the most vulnerable groups, Stressing also the need to put an end to the impunity of persons responsible for human rights violations, Concerned about the serious obstacles which have stood in the way of the process of democratic transition and wishing to encourage the efforts being made to guarantee the continuation of this process, in full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,

1. Deplores the continuing serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Zaire, particularly the practice of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, arbitrary detention and incommunicado detention, inhuman and degrading prison conditions, especially in the detention centres administered by the army, enforced disappearances, summary and arbitrary executions of persons who have exercised their right to freedom of opinion and expression, and denial of the right to a fair trial;

2. Notes with indignation that force is used systematically to prevent and suppress peaceful gatherings and demonstrations;

3. Expresses its concern about the deterioration of the situation in Shaba, where the authorities bear primary responsibility for fresh outbreaks of ethnic tensions and for the forced displacement of twenty thousand persons;

4. Also expresses its concern about discriminatory measures affecting persons belonging to minority groups;

5. Recommends that the thematic rapporteurs and working groups of the commission should continue to keep a close watch on the situation of human rights in Zaire;

6. Requests the Secretary-General:

(a) To bring the present resolution to the attention of the Zairian authorities;

(b) To report to the Commission, at its fiftieth session, on the basis of any information which might be gathered on the situation of human rights in Zaire, including information supplied by non-governmental organizations;

7. Decides to consider the question again at its fiftieth session under the agenda item "Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world, with particular reference to colonial and other dependent countries and territories".

65th meeting
10 March 1993
[Adopted without a vote. See chap. XII.]