UN Human Rights Commission adopts resolutions

The UN Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday adopted resolutions on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. On the DRC, the Commission noted the conflict was severely affecting the security and well-being of the civilian population throughout the country. It urged all sides to fully implement the Lusaka ceasefire accord in keeping with the new timetable agreed by the belligerents on 14 April. It also decided to extend the mandate of the special rapporteur on human rights in DRC. On Burundi, it noted the continuing need to make the peace process "more inclusive" and called for
a ceasefire as soon as possible. It condemned the government's regroupment policy, but took note of the government's efforts to ensure that established legal safeguards for human rights were fully respected. On Rwanda, the Commission welcomed the government's efforts to build a state based on the rule of law and respect for human rights and expressed concern that most of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide were still at
large. It urged the government to continue efforts to reduce the prison population and recommended international development assistance for reconstruction and long-term stability.