Introduction of Resolution to Condemn the Ethnic Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Floor Speech
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Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my resolution condemning the ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Dr. King famously said, ``injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere''. The United States, credible human rights organizations, and civil society have documented and published reports and findings that implicate the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in aiding and collaborating with armed groups and militias, including several that are designated for United Nations sanctions due to human rights violations.
Militias engage in illicit mining activities to finance and sustain themselves, often exploiting child labor and engaging in environmental degradation practices that undermine the DRC's economic interests and international treaty obligations.
My resolution condemns all acts of violence perpetrated against ethnic minorities by members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and armed groups operating throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reaffirms that the United States has held and continues to hold the Government of the DRC responsible for upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, in accordance with the DRC's international obligations.
My timely resolution also holds accountable all state security forces that perpetrate atrocities against the civilian population by conducting transparent investigations and prosecutions and taking all additional necessary measures to prevent further atrocities continue progress toward the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, reparation, and resettlement of armed groups in coordination with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2666 (2022). Last, it calls on the President Joe Biden to appoint a Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa, which will be vital to addressing the enduring regional security crisis emanating from eastern DRC.
Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in condemning the ethnic violence in the DRC.
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