Bill Clinton foundation opposes DR Congo’s candidacy for UN human rights council

UNIThe Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (FBCP) has voiced strong opposition to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

In a statement issued on Monday, the foundation, along with several civil society organizations, expressed serious concerns over ongoing human rights violations in the country.

The DRC officially submitted its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council in August, backed by the African Union, which endorsed the bid in February 2024.

However, the FBCP has publicly condemned the move, citing the country’s questionable human rights record.

Ongoing Human Rights Violations in the DRC

While acknowledging the DRC’s application to the council, the FBCP argued that the country does not meet the necessary standards to assume a leadership role within this critical international body.

“We feel compelled to respond to the recent request from the DRC to join the UN Human Rights Council.

Although this may seem like a positive step, the DRC does not fulfill the essential criteria for such an important position on the global stage,” the statement read.

The foundation claims to have evidence that the DRC regularly violates its own constitution, specifically articles 16 and 18, which prohibit detaining individuals for more than 48 hours without being brought before a judge or without access to family or legal representation.

The statement further alleged that the country continues to engage in clandestine imprisonment, arbitrary arrests, illegal detentions, and even physical and psychological torture.

The FBCP also pointed to instances of summary executions as part of a broader pattern undermining justice and human rights in the DRC.

Calls to Reject the DRC’s Candidacy

Given these accusations, the FBCP maintains that the DRC is unfit to serve on a council dedicated to upholding human rights.

The foundation warned that allowing the DRC to secure a seat would damage the credibility of the United Nations.

“The respect for human rights is a cornerstone of the UN’s mission.

Allowing a country that blatantly violates the rights of its own citizens to sit on the Human Rights Council would send a deeply troubling message to the global community,” the foundation emphasized in its statement.

In conclusion, the FBCP called on the international community and civil society organizations to take a firm stand against the DRC’s candidacy, urging collective vigilance to prevent what it sees as a dangerous precedent for human rights worldwide.