UN Human Rights Commission adopts resolutions

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) on Friday adopted resolutions on situations in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) among other countries, a statement from the UNCHR said.

In a consensus resolution on the human rights situation in Burundi, the Commission welcomed the numerous steps taken by the transitional government to advance human rights and establish democracy, condemned all attacks on humanitarian workers and urged all parties to the conflict to end the use of children as soldiers, the statement said.

The Commission also condemned the illegal sale and distribution of weapons and related materials. It requested states not to allow their territories to be used as bases for incursions or attacks against other states, the statement said, adding that it decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Burundi for one year.

In another consensus resolution - on the situation in the DRC - the Commission welcomed a series of positive steps taken by the government, but expressed concern at the adverse impact of the conflict on the situation of human rights and its severe consequences for the security and well-being of the civilian population throughout the territory of the DRC, the statement said.

The Commission particularly singled out areas held by armed rebels or under foreign occupation. It expressed concern at all massacres and atrocities committed, and at the continued recruitment and use of child soldiers by armed forces and groups, the statement said.

The Commission also extended for a further year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, along with that of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, and a member of the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances to carry out a joint mission to investigate all massacres carried out on the territory of the DRC.