Pope Francis has urged “the parties in conflict to commit themselves to the cessation of hostilities and to the safeguarding of the civilian population”, recommending that “the local Authorities and the International Community do everything possible to resolve the conflict situation by peaceful means.”
Statement of H.E. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva at the 37th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Geneva, 7 February 2025
Mr. Chair,
The Holy See is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in eastern DRC and reiterates its strong condemnation of the recent offensive, which has been further intensified by the capture of the city of Goma by the AFC/M23 rebel coalition and its advance towards the city of Bukavu.
This intensification of the conflict has provoked an enormous tragic loss of life, and a worrying increase in human rights violations. It has led to looting in the city of Goma and surrounding towns, and has increased the massive displacement of populations already impoverished by the recurrent conflicts that have plagued the provinces of the North and South Kivu for the past 30 years. It is also deeply regrettable that even peacekeepers, carrying out mandates entrusted to them by the UN Security Council, have been killed or injured in the line of duty. In order to alleviate the humanitarian crisis — at least for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of the most seriously wounded — the airport of Goma should be reopened immediately, and all parties concerned should make the necessary arrangements to this end.
Pope Francis has urged “the parties in conflict to commit themselves to the cessation of hostilities and to the safeguarding of the civilian population”, recommending that “the local Authorities and the International Community do everything possible to resolve the conflict situation by peaceful means.”[1]
The Holy See expresses its closeness, solidarity, and condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones in this conflict. It also reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law, urges them to respect the ceasefire agreement, reaffirms its support for the Luanda Process, calls for an immediate resumption of negotiations within that framework, and welcomes the proposal to establish an independent fact-finding mission.
The M23 should immediately cease all hostilities and withdraw from the occupied zones. The territorial integrity of the DRC must be fully respected.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.